Sickle Cell Anemia

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses the molecular genetics of sickle cell anemia and how this disorder alters the red cell's function of homeostasis. The paper relates that the sickle cell gene is spread widely throughout Africa, the Middle East and India and countries in which there are large numbers of African immigrants, including the United States. The paper includes a map (as an appendix) that shows the regions of the world in which the sickle cell gene is most commonly found.

Outline:
Introduction
Molecular Genetics
Metabolic Pathways
Homeostasis
Population Dynamics
Evolution
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"There are a number of hereditary anemias, which feature disorders of the structure or synthesis of hemoglobin, deficiencies of enzymes which provide energy to red blood cells or protect the red blood cells from damage, or abnormalities in the proteins found in the cell membranes of red blood cells. Inherited diseases of hemoglobin are the most important, and these are termed hemoglobinopathies; it is into this category that sickle cell anemia falls. Sickle cell anemia has a genetic basis, and was the first genetic disease to be characterized at the molecular level (Ingram, 2004"

Sample of Sources Used:

• Chowning, J.T. (2000) Sickle cell anemia and genetics: Background information. Washington State University Website. Retrieved on June 18, 2007, from: http://genetics-education-partnership.mbt.washington.edu/.
• Frenette, P.S. and Atweh, G.F. (2007) Sickle cell disease: Old discoveries, new concepts and future promises. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 117, 850-858.
• Ingram, V.M. (2004) Sickle-cell anemia hemoglobin: The molecular biology of the first "molecular disease" - The crucial importance of serendipity. Genetics, 167, 1-7.
• Nagel, R.L. (2005) Sickle Cell Anaemia. Encyclopedia of Life Sciences, John Wiley and Sons. Retrieved June 18, 2007, from:
• Steinberg, M.H. (2005) Sickle cell disease as a multifactorial condition. Encyclopedia of Life Sciences, John Wiley and Sons. Retrieved June 18, 2007, from:

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