Answer to Question #186457 in Cell Biology for poppy carter

Question

explain how the shape of a red blood cell in a person with sickle cell disease can affect how much oxygen gets reaches their muscles

Answer 1

When they lose their oxygen, they form into the shape of a sickle or crescent, like the letter C. These cells stick together and can't easily move through the blood vessels. This can block small blood vessels and the movement of healthy, normal oxygen-carrying blood. The blockage can cause pain.