Final answer:
Sickle cell anemia is caused by a missense mutation in the gene that codes for hemoglobin, resulting in the production of abnormal hemoglobin and misshapen red blood cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sickle cell anemia is caused by a missense mutation in the gene that codes for hemoglobin, which is the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells. This mutation results in the production of an abnormal form of hemoglobin called hemoglobin S. The change in the amino acid sequence of hemoglobin causes the red blood cells to become misshapen and less flexible, leading to a variety of symptoms and health complications.
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