The Chemistry of Cooley's Anemia
Author(s)
Abstract
Young parents, Max and Andrea Forest, learn that their child is suffering from the genetic disorder, thalassemia. Treatment requires a lifetime commitment to whole blood transfusion and chelation therapy, both of which must be administered on a daily to weekly basis. Students read the case, answer a series of questions, and then decide how they would treat the child if they were the parents. The case was developed to introduce students to the role of metal ions and coordination chemistry in biological systems. It would be appropriate for use in courses in biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinorganic chemistry, and bioethics, among others.
Objectives
- Understand and discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment of the genetic disorder thalassemia.
- Understand and discuss the role of iron in the body.
- Understand and discuss the use of chelating agents in the treatment of iron overload.
Keywords
Cooley's anemia; thalassemia; genetic disorder; genetic disease; hemoglobin; iron transport and storage in the body; iron overload; chelation therapy; deferoxamine; Desferal; metal ions; coordination chemistry; bioethicsTopical Areas
EthicsEducational Level
Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper divisionFormat
PDFType / Methods
Dilemma/DecisionLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Biochemistry | Inorganic Chemistry | Molecular Biology |
Date Posted
03/28/03Teaching Notes
Case teaching notes are password-protected and access to them is limited to paid subscribed instructors. To become a paid subscriber, begin the process by registering.
Teaching notes are intended to help teachers select and adopt a case. They typically include a summary of the case, teaching objectives, information about the intended audience, details about how the case may be taught, and a list of references and resources.
Answer Key
Answer keys for the cases in our collection are password-protected and access to them is limited to paid subscribed instructors. To become a paid subscriber, begin the process by registering.
Comments
Jody M. Modarelli
ModarelliJM@hiram.edu
Departments of Biology and Chemistry
Hiram College
Hiram, OH
09/19/2008
I adapted the case study, “The Chemistry of Cooley’s Anemia,” for my Basic Biochemistry course consisting of juniors and seniors. The students, in groups of 3–6, were given bits of information allowing them to solve for the disease and related questions using the internet and their biochemistry book. The class reconvened the last 15 minutes of class and chatted about the ethical issues pertinent to the case. I also introduced the concept of collaborative efforts in science as a precursor to drug discovery. It was a hit! I plan on using three additional case studies throughout the semester. -----------------------------