Appendix
A.1 Sickle-cell anaemia
Sickle-cell anaemia is caused by a defective gene. This gene results in the
replacement of the glutamate at position 6 of thebchains of haemoglobin
(Hb) by a valine residue to produce sickle-cell haemoglobin (HbS). These HbS
molecules aggregate into long polymer-like structures, which results in long
sickle shaped red blood cells instead of the normal round cells. These red
blood cells are able to transport oxygen in the normal fashion but their shape
causes them to lodge in capillaries, which causes tissue damage and impairs
blood circulation. This results in headaches, dizziness and ultimately death.
Fundamentals of Medicinal Chemistry, Edited by Gareth Thomas
#2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
ISBN 0 470 84306 3 (Hbk), ISBN 0 470 84307 1 (pbk)