Question

Is thalassemia caused due to mutation?

Answer 1

Thalassemia:

1. Thalassemia is an autosomal recessive disorder.
2. It is caused by the mutation of genes resulting in a reduced rate of synthesis of one of the globin chains of hemoglobin.
3. Therefore it is a quantitative defect in the functioning of globin molecules.
4. It is mainly characterized by anaemia.
5. There are two types of thalassemia - alpha and beta-thalassemia.