Unlike normal red blood cells, which last about 120 days in the bloodstream, sickled red cells die after only about 10 to 20 days. ... The joints get swollen and red. ... This protein, which is the component that makes red cells "red", has two subunits. ... -Fatigue, paleness and shortness of breath are all symptoms of anemia or a shortage of red blood cells. -Eye problems can occur when the retina, the "film" at the back of the eye that receives and processes visual images, does not get enough nourishment from circulating red blood cells, it can deteriorate. ...

• Word Count: 2447
• Approx Pages: 10
• Grade Level: Undergraduate