Question

Sickle Cell in the NFL Individuals, such as Ryan Clark and Geno Atkins, heterozygous for the sickle cell allele show effects of the allele under some circumstances (refer to the linked article and Mendelian patterns of inheritance in your text). Explain in terms of gene expression. Respond to the prompt and provide substantive responses to two classmates.

Answer 1

Answer:

Sickle cell disease is a inherited red blood cells disorder in which sickle shaped blood cells are produced by the body which can block the blood flow leading to tissue hypoxia. Sickle cell disease is caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin-Beta gene present on the chromosome 11. Abnormal hemoglobin in sickle cell anemia affects the oxygen carrying capability.

People suffering from sickle cell disease inherit two copies of the sickle cell gene.

• S = Normal (no sickle cell disease)
• s = Unusual (sickle cell disease)

A heterozygous cross can be represented as: Ss x Ss

Punnett Square:

	S	s
S	SS	Ss
s	Ss	ss

• In this case, 1 offspring with genotype (SS) will have normal phenotype
• 2 out of 4 offsprings with genotype (Ss) will be carrier of sickle cell disease
• 1 out of 4 offspring with genotype (ss) will have sickle cell disease

it is dangerous for NFL Players who are carrier of sickle cell disease (genotype Ss) to play at high altitudes. Sickle cell carrier players can experience muscle cramps, spasms, severe dehydration, heat stroke and trouble breathing. In such cases, the players are advised to rest between activities and to drink plenty of fluids.