Question

Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia are both caused due to problem in globin molecule synthesis. Select the correct statement:

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

Hint:

Remember: Thalassemia = less (quantity) of globin chains; Sickle Cell Anaemia = abnormal (quality) of globin chains.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Thalassemia is caused by a mutation that reduces or prevents the synthesis of one of the globin chains (α or β), resulting in a quantitative defect. Sickle Cell Anaemia, on the other hand, is due to a point mutation in the β-globin gene, which causes the production of abnormal hemoglobin S—this is a qualitative defect. Thus, the correct statement is that thalassemia is due to reduced (less) synthesis of globin molecules.