Final answer:
Sickle cell anemia is associated with a mutation in the gene that encodes beta-hemoglobin, which causes red blood cells to take on a sickle or crescent shape. This disrupts oxygen delivery and leads to the symptoms of anemia. Homozygous individuals will experience more severe symptoms compared to heterozygous individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, sickle cell anemia is associated with a mutation in the gene that encodes beta-hemoglobin, one of the polypeptides in hemoglobin. Sickle cell anemia is caused by a single base change in the gene for human beta-hemoglobin, resulting in the production of abnormal hemoglobin. This abnormal hemoglobin causes red blood cells to take on a sickle or crescent shape, disrupting capillary flow and oxygen delivery. Individuals who are homozygous for the sickle cell mutation will experience more frequent and severe episodes of the disease, while individuals who are heterozygous for the mutation have sickle cell trait and are generally unaffected.