Genetic disorders are (usually) rare diseases not caused by viruses or other pathogens, but rather by human genetics themselves. These disorders are sometimes hereditary, such as cystic fibrosis, and other times caused by mutations, such as Down syndrome. Sickle cell disease is a genetic (inherited) disease that causes blood cells to form sickle-shaped (hence the name), or crescent-shaped blades, and as a result, the blood cells cannot carry the oxygen as well as normal blood cells. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get the original essay Sickle cell disease is caused by mutations due to the deletion of parts of chromosome number 11. This trait is recessive and can be passed down by the parents. to the child. Although sickle cell disease is a harmful mutation due to health complications like anemia, spleen damage, etc., it is also a beneficial mutation because its carriers are resistant to malaria. Sickle cell disease is a very common disease among people of African, Hispanic, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Southern European descent. The malaria resistance trait proves to be very useful for these people because these areas are tropical areas with mosquitoes, so the risk of malaria is very high there, but with this trait they cannot contract malaria. People with sickle cell disease can live to around 50 years old. Some symptoms of sickle cell disease are anemia, spleen infections, eye problems, and slow growth rate. Anemia is a condition in which normal blood cells are not abundant, causing fatigue (some people collapse because of this). Damage to the spleen is another cause of sickle cell disease; The spleen is an organ that plays a crucial role in the immune system and because of this, the person will have more infections. Due to sickle cell disease, there is also a risk of having delayed puberty and growth. Some eye problems caused by this disease are damage to the retina due to blood vessels blocked by sickle cells. Sickle cell disease is relatively easy to diagnose; a blood sample must be taken and tested. Although there is a cure, most people with sickle cell disease take medications that increase hemoglobin levels and combat the effects of sickle cell disease (pain, fatigue, etc.). The cure involves a bone marrow transplant and is extremely risky (this procedure is still being researched to this day). Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In conclusion, sickle cell disease is an inherited genetic disease, or a disease caused by human genetics, that causes blood cells to be sickle-shaped and these cells cannot transport blood as well as normal blood cells..