Question

Tay sachs disease is caused by a mutation of one nucleotide for a protein that disrupts the activity of an enzyme in the brain. this leads to a toxic level of a substance to build up in neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to severe brain damage and eventually death. why do you think that the change in one nucleotide can cause tay sachs disease to be fatal, whereas the change in one nucleotide causes sickle cell disease, a disease in which a person can lead a functional life?

Answer 1

Tay Sachs disease demolished your brains ability to function, but a change in one nucleotide in sickle cell allows you lead a functional life. In sickle cell, the hemoglobin mutation can still function, the reason being you can have a functional life and have sickle cell.