Understanding Sickle Cell Disease
In Understanding Sickle Cell Disease, learn about Sanaya, a young girl whose unique blood helps her avoid symptoms of sickle cell disease. By examining the presence of fetal hemoglobin in her blood, discover how hemoglobin functions in the body and how it can impact individuals with sickle cell disease. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The World’s Most Extraordinary People, a documentary series revealing how rare medical conditions inspire groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
Lesson Express
Q: What did doctors find in Sanaya’s blood that makes her condition unique?
A: Sanaya has high levels of fetal hemoglobin, which helps prevent the typical symptoms of sickle cell disease.
Q: How does fetal hemoglobin differ from the regular hemoglobin found in most adults?
A: Fetal hemoglobin has a different structure that allows it to bind oxygen more effectively, which is why it helps prevent sickling of red blood cells in Sanaya’s blood.
Q: What is the significance of hydrogen peroxide in the demonstration during the video?
A: The demonstration shows how blood reacts to hydrogen peroxide, highlighting the presence of catalase in blood and explaining why babies have higher levels to cope with increased oxygen exposure after birth.