Explain the causes and consequences of sickle cell anaemia (5)

Sickle cell anaemia is caused by a point mutation, exchanging adenine for thymine in the DNA codon CTC. This causes a change in the mRNA to GUG, which results in a change in the polypeptide sequence during protein synthesis. Glutamic acid is substituted by a valine as the sixth amino acid in the protein haemoglobin. The change in tertiary structure of haemoglobin means that red blood cells become curved. These sickle-shaped cells are able to transport less oxygen from the lungs to respiring tissues, and they can get stuck in narrow blood vessels, resulting in a sickle cell crisis. This mutation also confers resistance to malaria.

Answered by Anna S. Biology tutor

11099 Views

See similar Biology IB tutors

Related Biology IB answers

All answers ▸

Describe the electrical activity of the heart.


What techniques were employed in the 'Calvin Experiment' to elucidate the carboxylation of RuBP (IB-HL 8.3)?


Cells go through a repeating cycle of events in growth regions such as plant root tips and animal embryos. Outline this cell cycle.


Describe the differences between the products of mitosis and meiosis.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences