Spherocytosis or hereditary spherocytosis is a hereditary condition that causes the red blood cells to become fragile. This condition is due to the mutation of at least five genes and the symptoms include anemia, enlarged spleen, and jaundice. The underlying cause behind the fragility of the red blood cells is that the mutations caused by spherocytosis make the RBC membrane rigid, which decreases its flexibility, causing it to break apart easily. Affected newborns show signs of severe anemia from birth.