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Chapter 25: Problem 18

Why is sickle cell anemia called a molecular disease?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Sickle cell anemia is called a molecular disease because it's caused by a molecular change in the DNA that causes red blood cells to assume a 'sickle' shape, due to a mutation in the gene responsible for producing hemoglobin. This illness shows how a minute change at the molecular level can manifest into broader, organismal effects.

Step by step solution

01

Understand what a molecular disease is

A molecular disease is one that results from an abnormality in the Chemical substance of genes and protein molecules. In this context, sickle cell anemia is referred to as a molecular disease.
02

Explain the genetic mutation that causes sickle cell anemia

Sickle cell anemia is caused by a change, or mutation, in a gene that instructs the body to produce hemoglobin- the iron-rich compound that gives blood its red color, carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues, and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. In sickle cell anemia, this mutation results in the production of abnormal hemoglobin known as hemoglobin S. Even the smallest alteration can drive the red blood cells to assume a sickle shape.
03

State the conclusion

Therefore, since sickle cell anemia is due to a molecular change in DNA that causes an altered structure of red blood cells, it is called a molecular disease. This disease is a clear example of how a single change at the molecular level can have manifestations on a larger, organismal level.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

The average distance between base pairs measured parallel to the axis of a DNA molecule is 3.4 Å (see Figure 25.19 ). The average molar mass of a pair of nucleotides is \(650 \mathrm{~g} / \mathrm{mol} .\) Estimate the length in centimeters of a DNA molecule of molar mass \(5.0 \times\) \(10^{9} \mathrm{~g} / \mathrm{mol}\)

Vinyl chloride, \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{C}=\mathrm{CHCl}\), undergoes copolymerization with 1,1 -dichloroethylene, \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{C}=\mathrm{CCl}_{2},\) to form a polymer commercially known as Saran. Draw the structure of the polymer, showing the repeating monomer units.

What is the difference between ribose and deoxyribose?

The enthalpy change in the denaturation of a certain protein is \(125 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{mol} .\) If the entropy change is \(397 \mathrm{~J} / \mathrm{K} \cdot \mathrm{mol},\) calculate the minimum temperature at which the protein would denature spontaneously.

What kind of intermolecular forces are responsible for the aggregation of hemoglobin molecules that leads to sickle cell anemia?
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