Sickle cell anemia is described as a disease resulting from defective red blood cells. What is the main type of cell involved?

Sickle cell anemia is described as a disease resulting from defective red blood cells. What is the main type of cell involved?

• A. White blood cells
• B. Platelets
• C. Red blood cells
• D. Plasma proteins

Answer: (C)

Sickle cell anemia centers on red blood cells, which are the cells that transport oxygen thanks to hemoglobin. In this disease, a mutation produces abnormal hemoglobin (HbS). When oxygen levels drop, HbS polymerizes and the red blood cells become stiff and take on a sickle shape. These deformed cells don’t flow as easily through small vessels and they are destroyed more quickly, causing anemia. Because the problem lies in the red blood cells and their hemoglobin, red blood cells are the main type of cell involved. White blood cells, platelets, and plasma proteins have other roles in the body, but they aren’t the primary players in this condition.

Sickle cell anemia centers on red blood cells, which are the cells that transport oxygen thanks to hemoglobin. In this disease, a mutation produces abnormal hemoglobin (HbS). When oxygen levels drop, HbS polymerizes and the red blood cells become stiff and take on a sickle shape. These deformed cells don’t flow as easily through small vessels and they are destroyed more quickly, causing anemia. Because the problem lies in the red blood cells and their hemoglobin, red blood cells are the main type of cell involved. White blood cells, platelets, and plasma proteins have other roles in the body, but they aren’t the primary players in this condition.