Question

Thalassemia and sickle cell anemia are caused due to a problem in globin molecule synthesis. Select the correct statement.

• A. Both are due to a quantitative defect in globin chain synthesis
• B. Thalassemia is due to less synthesis of globin molecules
• C. Sickle cell anemia is due to a quantitative problem of globin molecules
• D. Both are due to a qualitative defect in globin chain synthesis

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Thalassemia is an autosomal recessive blood disorder in which the hemoglobin is abnormal, causing anemia, due to non-synthesis or reduced rate of synthesis of one of the globin chains. In Thalassemia due to the defective gene, there is less synthesis of globin protein thus it is a quantitative blood disorder. Thalassemia can be due to less synthesis of alpha or beta globin protein of hemoglobin. In sickle cell anemia, the globin protein synthesis is defective thus it is a qualitative blood disorder. Sickle cell anemia is only due to the defective beta chain of the globin molecule.