NEETZoologyPrinciples of Inheritance and Variation
What is the consequence of the single base substitution in sickle-cell anaemia?
Options
- AIncreased oxygen carrying capacity of the blood
- BChange in the shape of red blood cells to a sickle-like structure
- CEnhancement of red blood cell production
- DA decrease in the number of red blood cells
Correct answer
B. Change in the shape of red blood cells to a sickle-like structure
Step-by-step solution
This is an autosome linked recessive trait that can be transmitted from parents to the offspring when both the partners are carrier for the gene (or heterozygous). The disease is controlled by a single pair of allele, HbA and HbS . Out of the three possible genotypes only homozygous individuals for HbS (HbSHbS ) show the diseased phenotype. Heterozygous (HbAHbS ) individuals appear apparently unaffected but they are carrier of the disease as there is 50 per cent probability of transmission of the mutant gene to the