SICKLE HEMOGLOBIN Meaning and
Definition
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Sickle hemoglobin, also known as hemoglobin S or HbS, is a variant form of hemoglobin molecule found in red blood cells. It is a result of a genetic mutation in the gene responsible for producing the beta-globin subunit of hemoglobin. This mutation leads to the substitution of a single amino acid in the hemoglobin molecule.
A normal hemoglobin molecule has a spherical shape, allowing red blood cells to flow smoothly through blood vessels and carry oxygen efficiently. However, in the case of sickle hemoglobin, the amino acid substitution causes the hemoglobin molecules to form rigid, elongated structures when the oxygen level is low or when the red blood cells lose water. This results in the red blood cells adopting a sickle shape, hence the name sickle cell.
The sickle-shaped red blood cells become rigid and sticky, impeding their movement through small blood vessels. As a consequence, these cells can block blood flow, leading to tissue damage and various health complications. Sickle hemoglobin is mainly associated with sickle cell anemia when individuals inherit two copies of the mutated gene – one from each parent.
Symptoms of sickle cell anemia include fatigue, breathlessness, delayed growth, frequent infections, jaundice, and episodes of intense pain, also known as sickle cell crises. Treatment options for sickle cell anemia aim to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve quality of life for affected individuals. These can include medications, blood transfusions, and regular monitoring of health.
Common Misspellings for SICKLE HEMOGLOBIN
- aickle hemoglobin
- zickle hemoglobin
- xickle hemoglobin
- dickle hemoglobin
- eickle hemoglobin
- wickle hemoglobin
- suckle hemoglobin
- sjckle hemoglobin
- skckle hemoglobin
- sockle hemoglobin
- s9ckle hemoglobin
- s8ckle hemoglobin
- sixkle hemoglobin
- sivkle hemoglobin
- sifkle hemoglobin
- sidkle hemoglobin
- sicjle hemoglobin
- sicmle hemoglobin
- siclle hemoglobin
- sicole hemoglobin
Etymology of SICKLE HEMOGLOBIN
The term "Sickle Hemoglobin" is a combination of two distinct components - "sickle" and "hemoglobin".
1. Sickle: The word "sickle" refers to a farming tool with a semicircular blade used for cutting crops, such as wheat or barley. The term comes from the Old English word "sicol", which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*sekalaz". This word has roots in the Proto-Indo-European language. The term "sickle" is used to describe the shape of the red blood cells affected by sickle cell anemia, which resemble the blade of a sickle.
2. Hemoglobin: Hemoglobin is the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood. It is derived from the Greek words "haima" (meaning blood) and "globulos" (meaning little globe or sphere).
