Clinical Case: A young, black girl has run a long race in a late morning gym class. Soon afterwards, she feels unusually fatigued and, because she remains lethargic during the early afternoon, she is sent home from school. Her parents are concerned about her condition and bring her to you – her pediatrician – later in the day. In talking with her parents and observing the girl, you note the following signs and symptoms: She is drowsy and has difficulty following directions or answering questions. She says she is "tired" and her muscles feel weak. She complains of generalized pain in her torso and muscles of her arms and legs. She exhibits shortness of breath. Her skin is slightly bluish in her fingers/palms/lips. Laboratory analysis of a blood sample reveals the following: Low hematocrit, low level of hemoglobin. Stained blood smear shows that red blood cells are normocytic but that numerous cells have a hooked shape. Electrophoresis of the blood indicates an abnormal form of hemoglobin.
Diagnosis: Because of the information provided above, what specific disease or condition is she likely to be suffering from?
Questions:
1. What specific type of cell is afflicted?
2. To what basic type of tissue does this cell belong?
3. What change in the cell structure has the disease caused?
4. What normal function of the cell has been disturbed by this change in structure?
5. The signs and symptoms of the disease are caused by a defective molecule. What class of organic compounds does this molecule belong to?