FOR SICKLE CELL DISEASE
WRITING PROMPT
You have arrived at school for the new school term and have befriended a new student in your class. After a few days you learn that your new friend has sickle cell disease. In talking to your friend she is concerned and confused that she has a disease no one else in her family has. Because you have just finished studying inherited diseases in your science class you have decided you might be able to help her understand how this has occurred, and that this is perfectly a normal outcome according to genetics. You can also help her to understand some of the changes her body will experience as the disease continues to affect her body's cells.
THINK ABOUT: The genotypes needed in the parent cells to cause the disease transmission.
THINK ABOUT: The pedigree of a family which may have children with the disease although the parents do not have the disease.
THINK ABOUT: The effects of the missing amino acid on the red blood cell shape and the complications that may result from this.
Now write a few paragraphs explaining to your friend how it is possible for her to have sickle cell disease even though other members of her family do not have the disease. Also elaborate in writing for her the change in her red blood cells and how this is responsible for the symptoms and complications she may experience in her body through the years. Be sure that your writing is well written using good grammar, spelling and paragraph structure. Use details in your writing to make understanding the disease more comfortable for your friend.