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.

AS
Answered by Anna S. Biology tutor

11738 Views

See similar Biology IB tutors

Related Biology IB answers

All answers ▸

Explain the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) as a technique to make copies of DNA.


How are ABO blood groups genetically transmitted?


Explain how a nerve impulse passes along a non-myelinated neuron


How does mitosis produce two genetically identical nuclei?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences