Question
Thalassemia and sickle cell anemia are caused due to a problem in globin molecule synthesis. Select
the correct statement.
Options
Thalassemia and sickle cell anemia are caused due to a problem in globin molecule synthesis. Select
the correct statement.
Both are due to a qualitative defect in globin chain synthesis.
Thalassemia is due to less synthesis of globin molecules.
Sickle cell anemia is due to a quantitative problem of globin molecules
Solution
(c) [Key Concept: Thalassemia vs Sickle Cell — Quantitative vs Qualitative] Thalassemia is due to LESS SYNTHESIS (quantitative defect) of globin molecules — either alpha or beta globin chains are produced in insufficient quantities, leading to imbalanced globin chain production and haemolysis. Sickle cell anaemia is a QUALITATIVE defect — the same amount of globin is produced but the HbS beta-globin has one wrong amino acid (valine instead of glutamic acid at position 6), making it dysfunctional. Option (b) correctly states: Thalassemia = quantitative problem (less synthesis). Option (d) is wrong — not both are qualitative.
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