Question:
Thalassemia and Sickle cell anaemia are due to a problem in globin molecule synthesis. Select the correct statement.
Thalassemia and Sickle cell anaemia are due to a problem in globin molecule synthesis. Select the correct statement.
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Thalassemia = Quantitative (too few chains produced).
Sickle Cell Anaemia = Qualitative (chains are produced in normal amounts, but they are defective/mutated).
Sickle Cell Anaemia = Qualitative (chains are produced in normal amounts, but they are defective/mutated).
Updated On: Apr 30, 2026
- Sickle cell anaemia is due to a quantitative problem of globin molecule.
- Both are due to qualitative defects in globin chain synthesis.
- Both are due to quantitative defects in globin chain synthesis.
- Thalassemia is due to less synthesis of globin molecules.
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept: Both Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia are genetic disorders affecting the hemoglobin molecule, but their fundamental molecular mechanisms differ entirely.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach: Distinguish between a "quantitative" defect (amount produced) and a "qualitative" defect (structure produced) for both diseases.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation: Thalassemia is a genetic disorder resulting in a significantly reduced rate of synthesis of one of the globin chains ($\alpha$ or $\beta$).
Because it fundamentally affects the amount or quantity of globin synthesized, Thalassemia is defined strictly as a quantitative problem.
Conversely, Sickle cell anaemia is caused by a point mutation that produces a structurally abnormal, but normally quantified, globin chain (valine instead of glutamic acid).
Because it affects the structural quality and function of the hemoglobin molecule rather than its quantity, Sickle cell anaemia is defined as a qualitative problem.
Looking at the options, statement (4) correctly states that Thalassemia is due to "less synthesis" (which is a quantitative issue).
Step 4: Final Answer: The correct statement is (4).
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach: Distinguish between a "quantitative" defect (amount produced) and a "qualitative" defect (structure produced) for both diseases.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation: Thalassemia is a genetic disorder resulting in a significantly reduced rate of synthesis of one of the globin chains ($\alpha$ or $\beta$).
Because it fundamentally affects the amount or quantity of globin synthesized, Thalassemia is defined strictly as a quantitative problem.
Conversely, Sickle cell anaemia is caused by a point mutation that produces a structurally abnormal, but normally quantified, globin chain (valine instead of glutamic acid).
Because it affects the structural quality and function of the hemoglobin molecule rather than its quantity, Sickle cell anaemia is defined as a qualitative problem.
Looking at the options, statement (4) correctly states that Thalassemia is due to "less synthesis" (which is a quantitative issue).
Step 4: Final Answer: The correct statement is (4).
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