🧬 What is a Genotype?

Genes usually come in pairs — one copy of a gene comes from each biological parent. This pair of genes is called a genotype.

👉 Sickle cell disease occurs when a child inherits two altered HBB genes (one from each parent). This leads to abnormal hemoglobin (HbS), which causes red blood cells to deform into a “sickle” shape.

Scientists have discovered hundreds of HBB variations, meaning there are multiple types of sickle cell genotypes depending on the genetic combinations.

📊 Determining Inheritance with a Punnett Square

The Punnett square helps predict the likelihood of a child inheriting a particular genotype.

Genotype meanings:

• AA ➝ No sickle cell trait ✅

• AS ➝ Carrier of sickle cell trait ⚠️

• SS ➝ Sickle cell disease ❌

👉 Example: If both parents are AS, their child has:

• 25% chance (1 in 4) ➝ AA (Normal)

• 50% chance (2 in 4) ➝ AS (Carrier)

• 25% chance (1 in 4) ➝ SS (Sickle Cell Disease)

⚠️ Each pregnancy is independent, meaning previous children’s genotypes do not affect future ones.

💔 Marriage & Genotype Compatibility

It is crucial to check your genotype before marriage. Love alone should not make you overlook the painful reality of sickle cell disease.

Compatible Genotypes that can marry:
✔️ AA + AA
✔️ AA + AS
✔️ AA + SS
✔️ AA + SC
✔️ AA + CC

Incompatible Genotypes (DO NOT MARRY):
❌ AS + AS
❌ AS + SS
❌ AS + SC
❌ AS + CC
❌ SS + SS

🚨 Why This Matters

• Early testing prevents generations of suffering.

• Awareness saves lives and reduces new sickle cell births.

• Informed choices ensure your children’s comfort, happiness, and health.

👉 Don’t be careless or inconsiderate. Love is important, but health is priceless.

✅ Call-to-Action (CTA)

💡 Check your genotype today before saying YES to marriage. Don’t risk your children’s future health for a temporary decision. 🧬💍

❓ FAQ

Q1: What is the safest genotype combination for marriage?
A1: The safest is AA + AA, as it guarantees children without sickle cell disease or trait.

Q2: Can two AS genotypes marry safely?
A2: No. Each child has a 25% chance of SS, which means sickle cell disease.

Q3: Can someone with SS genotype marry someone with AA?
A3: Yes. Their children will all be AS (carriers) but won’t have sickle cell disease.

Q4: Why should genotype testing be done before marriage?
A4: It helps prevent passing on sickle cell disease, reducing lifelong pain and complications for future generations.

Knowing your genotype isn’t just a personal choice—it’s a responsibility to the future. Every ‘Yes’ to marriage without genotype compatibility checks could mean a lifetime of pain for your children. Prevention is love in action... protect the unborn.

The pains that sickle cell warriors endure should never be the price of love. Choose wisely, not carelessly. Protect your future children 💔🧬