In sickle-cell disease, there is a mutation that causes an amino acid in _______ to be replaced with an amino acid that is _______.This change causes the protein to form needlelike aggregates in red blood cells.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sickle-cell disease is caused by a mutation in the gene that codes for hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells. In this mutation, a valine amino acid is substituted for a glutamic acid amino acid, resulting in a hydrophobic amino acid where a hydrophilic one used to be. This change causes the hemoglobin to form rigid, needle-like structures, distorting the shape of the red blood cells into a sickle shape, leading to damage to the cells and associated health problems.

In Sickle-Cell Disease, There Is a Mutation That Causes an Amino