EM 345 Sickle Cells

Sickle Cell Anemia

Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of red blood cells from an individual with sickle cell disease. Sickle cell anemia is caused by a mutation in hemoglobin that causes polymerization under hypoxic conditions.

Red blood cells are usually round and flexible, so they move easily through blood vessels. In sickle cell anemia, some red blood cells are C-shaped like a sickle. These sickle cells become rigid and sticky, which can slow or blook blood flow.

Normal red blood cells live about 90 to 120 days, but sickle cells last only 10 to 20 days. This causes anemia if the body has trouble keeping up with how fast the cells are being destroyed.