Sickle Cell Anemia Protein Synthesis

Question

How does a mutation lead to the formation of sickle cell hemoglobin protein instead of normal hemoglobin protein?

Answer 1

The Sickle Cell Mutation Causes an abnormal version of hemoglobin known as hemoglobin S or HbS. This abnormal version of hemoglobin is caused by a simple change on position 6 in which the glutamic acid is swapped with the amino acid valine. This causes a sickle-like shape of the red blood cell. People with Sickle Cell Anemia have normal mostly normal red blood cells until a Sickle cell Crisis is triggered by either a lack of Oxygen or over-exertion. During this Crisis is when red blood cells form the Sickle shape causing Pain, clots, and possible embolisms.