Sickle cell is a disorder that affects the
molecules in the red blood cells, particularly the hemoglobin. The hemoglobin
is the molecule responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. When a
person has sickle cell anemia, the red blood cells are distorted crescent
shapes that do not travel in the bloodstream properly and efficiently. As a
result, this disorder hampers the distribution of oxygen throughout the body.
<span> Anemia is the major characteristic of sickle cell
disorder. A person with sickle cell anemia has low number of red blood cells
that usually begin in early childhood. A person who is experiencing Sickle Cell
Anemia will have multiple and repeated infections, and periodic episodes of
pain. The severity of this condition varies from person to person but is common
in African descents. </span>
