Question

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

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

Answer 1

The correct option is B Thalassemia is due to less synthesis of globin molecules

Sickle cell anemia is an autosomal disease. The RBC changes the shape of itself to sickle-shaped due to the presence of a defective gene. The genetic reason for causing sickle cell anemia is due to substitution of glutamic acid by valine at the sixth position in the beta globin chain of haemoglobin. This leads to single base substitution and results in the change of biconcave red blood cells into sickle shaped.

Thalassemia is the defect of the alpha or beta globin chain of haemoglobin. In thalassemia the red blood cells synthesis becomes abnormal leading to decreased synthesis of the globin chains.

So, the correct statement is "option C"