Support Questions 1 and 3
How is sickle cell disease caused?
Sickle cell disease is caused when 1 sickle cell gene is passed down from each parent to the child.
What shape does the red blood cell turn into when it gets affected by sickle cell disease?
It turns into a "C" shape, which makes it look like a farm tool called a sickle.
What is the only proven cure for sickle cell disease?
The only proven cure for sickle cell disease is called bone marrow/stem cell transplant.
What happens to a red blood cell once it becomes affect by sickle cell disease other than turning into a "C" shape?
They become rigid and sticky, causing them to stick together and clog red blood cells.
What part of the red blood cell does sickle cell disease affect?
Sickle cell disease affects the hemoglobin, which is a protein that carries oxygen.
Why does the spleen not filter out sickled red blood cells?
The spleen gets damaged after sickled cells get stuck in it.
What is the most common type of sickle cell disease?
The most common type of sickle cell disease is sickle cell anemia.
List 4 symptoms of sickle cell disease
pain, fatigue, infections, stroke, and premature death.
What were the 2 cell based gene therapies that the FDA authorized the use of?
Casgevy and Lyfegenia
A sickled red blood cell survives 10 - 20 days whilst a regular red blood cell survives 100 - 120 days.