Sickle Cell Disease
1.Sickle cell disease is an adaptive response against malaria. Discuss and identify the pathogen and transmission of malaria.
Answer:
Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder that results from a mutation in the hemoglobin gene, which affects the shape of red blood cells. While the disease is debilitating and can lead to serious health problems, the sickle cell trait (the presence of one sickle cell allele) confers resistance to malaria, as the abnormal red blood cells are less hospitable to the parasite that causes malaria.
Malaria is caused by the parasite Plasmodium, which is transmitted from person to person through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The parasite invades red blood cells, leading to their destruction and resulting in the characteristic symptoms of malaria, including fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms. Malaria is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease, particularly in regions with limited access to healthcare.
