Final answer:
The incorrect statement about sickle cell disease and the structure of sickled cells is that the c-shape allows for adequate nutrient absorption and oxygen circulation, which is not true as the sickle-shaped red blood cells impair blood flow and oxygen delivery.
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer the student's question about sickle cell disease (SCD) and sickle cell trait (SCT), the statement that does NOT describe how the structure of sickled cells affect their function is: 'The c-shape of sickle cells allows for adequate nutrient absorption and appropriate levels of oxygen to be circulated throughout the body.' This statement is false because the sickle shape of the erythrocytes (red blood cells) causes them to become stiff and block small blood vessels, which impairs blood flow and reduces oxygen delivery to the body's tissues.
Sickle-shaped red blood cells, due to their crescent or "sickle" morphological alterations, have compromised functionality in delivering essential oxygen. These abnormally shaped cells are prone to get stuck in capillaries, reducing their ability to travel freely through the blood vessels and causing blockages that can lead to pain, tissue damage, and a host of other health issues.
The sickle shape is caused by an abnormal form of hemoglobin, hemoglobin S, which promotes the fibrous aggregation of the hemoglobin molecules inside the cell, leading to the characteristic crescent shape of the cells.