Which statement best describes sickle cell anemia?

Which statement best describes sickle cell anemia?

• A. Deformity in red blood cells that prevents oxygen transport
• B. An increase in white blood cells
• C. A decrease in platelets
• D. A skin condition

Answer: (A)

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic problem where hemoglobin S causes red blood cells to become stiff and take on a crescent shape when oxygen is low. Those misshapen cells don’t move smoothly through small vessels and don’t carry oxygen as effectively, leading to reduced oxygen delivery to tissues and anemia. The statement describing deformity in red blood cells that prevents oxygen transport aligns with the disease because the abnormal cell shape directly impairs oxygen delivery. The other options don’t fit because an increased white blood cell count isn’t defining, a decrease in platelets isn’t typical, and a skin condition isn’t related to this blood disorder.

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic problem where hemoglobin S causes red blood cells to become stiff and take on a crescent shape when oxygen is low. Those misshapen cells don’t move smoothly through small vessels and don’t carry oxygen as effectively, leading to reduced oxygen delivery to tissues and anemia. The statement describing deformity in red blood cells that prevents oxygen transport aligns with the disease because the abnormal cell shape directly impairs oxygen delivery. The other options don’t fit because an increased white blood cell count isn’t defining, a decrease in platelets isn’t typical, and a skin condition isn’t related to this blood disorder.