Question

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

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

Answer 1

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

Thalassemia and sickle cell anemia are genetic disorders in which hemoglobin synthesis is affected. In thalassemia, there is a defect in the α or β globin chain. This leads to the synthesis of abnormal red blood cells due to the decreased synthesis of globin molecules. Whereas in sickle-cell anemia there is a mutation in β globin gene resulting in sickling of red blood cells. Thus the correct answer is option D.