Sickle Cell Disease and Malaria

The video explores the impact of sickle-cell disease on red blood cells, detailing how a genetic mutation alters hemoglobin, leading to various symptoms and complications. It traces the mutation's evolutionary origins as a defense against malaria and discusses current treatments and future prospects, including DNA editing.

What is the primary function of red blood cells?

• To store nutrients

• To produce energy

• To fight infections

• To transport oxygen

What causes the red blood cells to deform into a sickle shape in sickle-cell disease?

• A deficiency in iron

• A single genetic mutation

• A lack of vitamin B12

• An excess of white blood cells

What is the main consequence of sickled red blood cells piling up in blood vessels?

• Enhanced oxygen delivery

• Blocked blood flow

• Increased blood pressure

• Improved immune response

Which organ's blockage can put sickle-cell patients at risk for dangerous infections?

• Heart

• Liver

• Kidney

• Spleen

What is the lifespan of sickled red blood cells compared to healthy ones?

• 5 days vs. 2 months

• 2 weeks vs. 3 months

• 1 month vs. 6 months

• 10 or 20 days vs. 4 months

What tropical disease is linked to the evolutionary advantage of the sickle-cell mutation?

• Malaria

• Yellow fever

• Dengue fever

• Zika virus

How does inheriting the sickle-cell mutation from one parent affect malaria resistance?

• It makes the person immune to malaria

• It has no effect on malaria resistance

• It makes life difficult for the malaria parasite

• It increases the severity of malaria

What percentage of malaria infections occur in Africa?

• 100%

• 90%

• 70%

• 50%

What was the only medication available for sickle-cell disease for many years?

• Penicillin

• Aspirin

• Ibuprofen

• Hydroxyurea

What promising new technology could enable stem cells to produce normal hemoglobin?

• Radiation therapy

• Bone marrow transplant

• Gene therapy

• Chemotherapy