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ISU Essay: Sickle Cell Anemia
Background/introduction
Blood is essential to human survival. This fluid is the transportation system of the body; it delivers all necessary nutrients that cells need in order to function properly. The largest component of blood is comprised of red blood cells. These cells are the body’s principle means of transporting oxygen from the lungs to all body tissues. They are perfectly suited for this function because red blood cells contain hemoglobin, an iron-based protein molecule that binds to oxygen. This bond results in oxygen being circulated as blood travels (Medical and Health Encyclopedia, 1995, p.411).
Normally, in an average man, there are 5 million red blood cells per cubic millimetre. If this number decreases to 4 million or less, it results in a condition known as anemia. Any abnormalities in size, shape, or hemoglobin content can also account for an anemic state. Many types of this disorder exist, including sickle cell anemia, a......

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Approximate Word Count: 2116
Approximate Pages: 9 (250 words per double-spaced page)

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