Consider the genetic condition known as "Sickle Cell Disease."Healthy Red Blood Cells (left) and Red Blood Cells in an Individual with Sickle Cell Anemia (right) by Jack Potte (CC0)Most people have oval-shaped red blood cells. At some point in time, a mutation happened within the human genetic code, causing some people to have crescent-shaped blood cells (sickle cells).In terms of genotypes, someone who is homozygous dominant (AA) has oval-shaped red blood cells, and someone who is homozygous recessive (SS) has crescent-shaped blood cells. Someone who is heterozygous (AS) has a mixture of oval- and crescent-shaped blood cells.How did the mutation in the genetic code directly lead to a change blood cell shape?Elimination ToolSelect one answerAThe change in DNA changed the cell's instructions for making certain carbohydrates, which impacted blood cell shape.BThe change in DNA changed the cell's instructions for making certain proteins, which impacted blood cell shape.CThe change in DNA changed the cell's instructions for making certain lipids, which impacted blood cell shape.DThe change in DNA changed the cell's instructions for making certain carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins- all of which together impacted blood cell shape.Skip For Now
Question
Consider the genetic condition known as "Sickle Cell Disease."Healthy Red Blood Cells (left) and Red Blood Cells in an Individual with Sickle Cell Anemia (right) by Jack Potte (CC0)Most people have oval-shaped red blood cells. At some point in time, a mutation happened within the human genetic code, causing some people to have crescent-shaped blood cells (sickle cells).In terms of genotypes, someone who is homozygous dominant (AA) has oval-shaped red blood cells, and someone who is homozygous recessive (SS) has crescent-shaped blood cells. Someone who is heterozygous (AS) has a mixture of oval- and crescent-shaped blood cells.How did the mutation in the genetic code directly lead to a change blood cell shape?Elimination ToolSelect one answerAThe change in DNA changed the cell's instructions for making certain carbohydrates, which impacted blood cell shape.BThe change in DNA changed the cell's instructions for making certain proteins, which impacted blood cell shape.CThe change in DNA changed the cell's instructions for making certain lipids, which impacted blood cell shape.DThe change in DNA changed the cell's instructions for making certain carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins- all of which together impacted blood cell shape.Skip For Now
Solution
The correct answer is B. The change in DNA changed the cell's instructions for making certain proteins, which impacted blood cell shape.
Here's why:
The mutation in the genetic code for Sickle Cell Disease specifically affects the gene that provides instructions for making a protein called beta-globin, a component of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
In people with Sickle Cell Disease, the mutation causes the beta-globin subunits to stick together and form long, rod-like structures. These structures cause the red blood cells to become rigid and take on a sickle or crescent shape.
So, it's the change in the protein structure that directly leads to the change in blood cell shape.
Similar Questions
Bonus question: Can anyone explain how the shape of red blood cells differs in people with sickle cell anemia? What complications does this cause?
Which of the following describes sickle-cell disease? Multiple select question.Red blood cells take on a translucent appearance.It is a hereditary condition.The heme part of hemoglobin is abnormal.Red blood cells are misshapen.It can be caused by iron deficiency.
Sickle cell anemia is caused by a allele because this mutation has more than one effect on the phenotype.
Which is a genetic disorder in which abnormal hemoglobin leads to fragile red blood cells and obstructed blood vessels? (1) phenylketonuria (2) sickle-cell anemia (3) leukemia (4) Down syndrome
Human disorders such as PKU and sickle-cell anemia, which are defects in the synthesis of individual proteins, are most likely the result of (1) gene mutations (2) nondisjunction (3) crossing-over (4) polyploidy
Upgrade your grade with Knowee
Get personalized homework help. Review tough concepts in more detail, or go deeper into your topic by exploring other relevant questions.