Question

Which among the following is/are correct regarding alpha and beta thalassemia?

I. Number of gene mutations decide the severity of the condition
II. Haemoglobin fails to produce enough alpha protein of haemoglobin in alpha-thalassemia
III. Thalassemia (alpha and beta) is a qualitative disorder
IV. Haemoglobin fails to produce enough beta protein of haemoglobin in beta-thalassemia

• A. I, III, and IV are correct
• B. I, II, and IV are correct
• C. Only III and IV are correct
• D. All are correct

Answer 1

The correct option is B I, II, and IV are correct

Thalassemia is a blood related disorder in which there is insufficient amount of haemoglobin synthesised in the body. Haemoglobin is made up of two types of globin chains- alpha chains and beta chains.

Based on the chain in which mutation has occurred, thalassemia can further be subdivided into alpha thalassemia and beta thalassemia.

Alpha thalassemia is caused due to mutation in genes that affect the normal production of alpha globin chains.

Beta thalassemia is caused due to mutation in genes that affect the normal production of beta globin chains. The severity of the condition is decided by the number of genes that are mutated. Hence statements I, II, and IV are correct.

Since the production of functional haemoglobin molecules is hampered, thalassemia is a quantitative disease involving production of too few globin molecules.