defined:

A blood condition seen most commonly in people of African ancestry. The disorder is caused by a single base pair change in one of the genes that codes for hemoglobin, the blood protein that carries oxygen. This mutation causes the red blood cells to take on a sickle shape, rather than their characteristic donut shape. Individuals who suffer from sickle cell disease are chronically anemic and experience significant damage to their heart, lungs, and kidneys.

explained:

Listen to a detailed explanation.

Dr. David Bodine, of the National Human Genome Research Institute's Genetics and Molecular Biology Branch, defines sickle cell disease.

related
terms:

base pair, gene, cell, protein, recessive

[ Send this term to a friend ] [ Suggest a term for the glossary ]