Sickle-cell anemia results from a point mutation in the HBB gene. The mutation results in the replacement of an amino acid that
has a hydrophilic R-group with an amino acid that has a hydrophobic R-group on the exterior of the hemoglobin protein. Such a mutation would most likely result in altered
In Sickle-cell anemia, the gene sequence of hemoglobin is changed in its sixth position due to the substitution of glutamate with valine.
So, since glutamate, an amino acid soluble in water due to its hydrophilic side chain is substituted with valine, an amino acid that has a hydrophobic side chain insoluble in water or bloodstream; the resulting hemoglobin protein is altered in structure (sickle shaped) and unable to bind and transport oxygen efficiently to the various body parts.
Diffusion refers to the process that describes the movement of fluid from areas of high concentration to low concentration. Osmosis is the opposite of diffusion and refers to the movememnt of low concentrations to high.
