Sickle cell anaemia. Coloured Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM) of red blood cells in sickle cell anaemia (drepanocytosis). Here, normal red blood cells (rounded) contrast with flat, elongated, sickle-shaped cells. Sickle cell anaemia is an inherited blood disease, so-called because the affected red blood cells have abnormal haemoglobin (an oxygen- carrying pigment) that distorts cells into a sickle shape. Due to this defect, sickle cells are fragile and they are easily destroyed in the bloodstream. Sickle cell anaemia occurs largely in African people, and can be fatal in childhood. No cure is yet known. Magnification: x2,300 at 6x7cm size. x7,500 at 8x10ins