Genotype... simply refers to hemoglobin gene constituents or simply saying gene from your biological parents. Genotype is the genetic makeup of an individual with reference to a trait or multiple traits. They are the collection of genes passed from parents to the children.
There are four genotypes in humans - AA, AS, SS and AC. AC genotype is not so common and popular unlike the other three. SS and AC are the abnormal genotypes or the sickle cells. The knowledge of genotype is important when choosing life partners.
So who can you marry and who shouldn't you marry based on Genotype compatibility?
If AA marries AA = AA, AA, AA, AA babies
If AA marries AS = AA and AS babies
If AA marries SS = AS, AS babies
If AS marries AS = AA, AS and SS babies
If AS marries AC = AA, AC, and SC babies
If AS marries SS = AS and SS babies
If SS marries SS = SS babies
If AC marries AC = AA, AC, AC and SS
There is no problem when one of the genes is abnormal e.g. AS, AC. This is called a carrier state (sickle cell trait).
Of course there are many cases where two abnormal was combined that is an AS and AS or AC and AC or AC and AS couples and had up to five or six children without a single sicklier among them.
But why risk it? What if you're not so lucky?
Can you forgive yourself when you end up having a child with the sickle cell disease and put the child through the agony the disease brings when you could have easily avoided it?
People with the genotype AA are prone to malaria sickness at their early ages. Sickle cell arises when there is any blockage in the blood vessels which inhibits the flow of oxygen. When the red blood cell do not have the required oxygen, there will be changes in its original shape (disc shape) to a "Sickle-like" or "crescent-like shape", Thus, the name "sickle cell". Sickle cell patients experience severe pains in body parts that lack oxygen flow. Their bone marrows will fail to produce red blood cells and this result to anemia. To save this crisis, blood is usually transfused to them.
In terms of compatibility, someone with AA genotype can marry anybody. It is safe for someone with AS to marry someone with AA genotype. The combinations of AS and AS, AS and AC should not be risked. There is probability of having a SS. Although. Two sickle cells should not even have a relationship or get married. Individuals with the AA genotype should help you prevent genetic abnormalities by marrying the AS, AC and SS. By this, we are hopeful to eradicate sickle cells in the world.
Know your blood group and genotype before marriage.