Sickle Cell Anemia

What determines Protein Confirmation

• proteins 3D shape

• depends on amino acid residue sequence

• depends on the physical and chemical conditions of the proteins environment

Denaturation

is when a protein unravels and loses its native conformation

Sickle Cell Anemia

• red blood cells carry O2 and CO2 in Haemoglobin

• an inherited amino acid substitution in the # 6 position of beta subunit Hb that is 146 amino acid residues long causes the condition

• glutamic acid (Electrically charged) is replaced with a Valine (hydrophobic)

Sickle Cell Anemia 

• abnormal hB molecules link together, crystalize and deform the cells

• deformed cells clog up tiny blood vessels and impede blood flow

Blood transfusions help

the only approved cure is a bone marrow or stem cell transplant