Sickle cell anemia impairs oxygen transport

Steps:

• Sickle cell anemia causes red blood cells to become sickle-shaped due to abnormal hemoglobin.
• These deformed cells block blood flow and break down faster than normal.
• Healthy red blood cells carry oxygen via hemoglobin to body tissues.
• Sickle cells reduce overall oxygen-carrying capacity, leading to fatigue and organ damage.

Why D is correct:

• Red blood cells transport oxygen bound to hemoglobin; sickle-shaped cells distort and carry less oxygen, as defined by hemoglobin's oxygen-binding function.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Clotting issues relate to platelet or clotting factor disorders like hemophilia, not red blood cell shape.
• B: Sickle cell anemia does not affect glucose regulation in blood plasma.
• C: Glucose levels remain unaffected by red blood cell abnormalities.

Final answer: D