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

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Thalassemia is due to less synthesis of globulin molecules

The correct option is B

The explanation for the correct option:

1. Thalassemia is a quantitative disease.
2. Thalassemia is caused by mutations in the DNA of cells that make hemoglobin
3. There is a problem in the α or β globin chain which causes the synthesis of abnormal red blood cells.
4. This result in the reduced synthesis of globin molecules
5. They are two types (i) alpha thalassemia and (ii) beta thalassemia

Explanations for the incorrect option:

Option A

1. Thalassemia is a quantitative disease.
2. In thalassemia, less globin chain develops
3. Sickle cell anemia is a qualitative disease.
4. In sickle cell anemia RBC becomes sickle shape so its efficiency to carry oxygen is reduced.

Option C

1. Thalassemia is a quantitative disease.
2. It is due to less amount of globin chain formation its quantity is affected.
3. More the affected globin chain more severe the thalassemia.

Option D

1. Thalassemia is a quantitative disease.
2. Sickle cell anemia is a qualitative disease.
3. Sickle cell anemia is due to point mutation at the 6th beta globin chain
4. Glutamic acid is replaced by valine at the 6th position in the polypeptide chain
5. Valine being nonpolar makes the RBC sickle-shaped.

Final answer: thalassemia is due to less synthesis of globulin molecules.