Medical Definition of Sickle cell trait
1.
This condition occurs in people who have one of two possible genes (i.e., they are heterozygous forthe allele) that code for the defective haemoglobin responsible for sickle cell anaemia.
The coditionis diagnosed by exposing an individual's red blood cells to a low oxygen environment, if the trait is present, the cells will turn to a sickle shape. People with this trait may suffer milder symptoms of sickle cell anaemia, or may have no symptoms. Some scientists believe the trait actually provides an evolutionary advantage in tropical environments because the slightly altered shape of the blood cells causes a person to be more resistant to malaria.
(09 Oct 1997)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Sickle Cell Trait
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