[Campbell Biology P.551] What is the primary consequence for red blood cells in individuals ... | Practice Question

What is the primary consequence for red blood cells in individuals with sickle-cell disease when abnormal hemoglobin fibers are formed?

  • A: They become enlarged and spherical, leading to blocked blood vessels.
  • B: Their lifespan significantly increases, causing an accumulation in the spleen.
  • C: They become distorted into a sickle shape, especially under low-oxygen conditions.
  • D: They lose their ability to produce hemoglobin, leading to oxygen deprivation.

Explanation

The 'Consequences for Cells' section explicitly states that 'The abnormal hemoglobin fibers distort the red blood cell into a sickle shape under low-oxygen conditions'.