Ans.
Sickle cell anemia is defined as a genetically inherited disorder that causes deformation of red blood cells (RBCs) and inadequate oxygen transport. It is caused by a mutation in the gene that encodes for hemoglobin and leads to formation of a defective protein.
The RBCs transport oxygen to the various parts of body with the help of hemoglobin molecules. Due to defective hemoglobin, blood cells become sticky and rigid, and shape like sickles. The resulting sickle-shaped cells get stuck in blood capillaries that block or slow down blood flow or oxygen transport to the body organs.
Thus, 'sickle cell anemia affects oxygen transport in the body.'