What is the role of hemoglibin in sickle cell anemia and why it is predominantly an African-American disorder?

Answer 1

sickle cell anemia is caused by a mutation on the beta chain of the hemoglobin molecule (remember, there are 2 alpha chains and 2 beta chains attached to the central heme molecule). this abnormal hemoglobin structure tends to polymerize into rigid, rod-shaped structures, which cause the cells to sickle. the cell membrane is also more rigid, thus making it more difficult for malarial parasites to penetrate the cell membrane. people with the sickle cell trait, therefore, would be offered some, but not absolute, protection against the parasite. this trait probably arose in sub-saharan africa. i know quite a few africans with the disease. it isn't just in african americans, but can occur in anyone descended from the african continent.

Answer 2

The red blood cells, which carry Hemoglobin, becaome sickle shaped, and therefor less able to carry O2, etc. It originated as a defense against malaria, which was more prevalent in African nations

Answer 3

Is it African or American it cant be both.