NEETZoologyPrinciples of Inheritance and Variation
How is α Thalassemia controlled genetically?
Options
- ABy a single gene on chromosome 11
- BBy a single gene on chromosome 16
- CBy two closely linked genes on chromosome 16
- DBy two closely linked genes on chromosome 11
Correct answer
C. By two closely linked genes on chromosome 16
Step-by-step solution
This is also an autosome-linked recessive blood disease transmitted from parents to the offspring when both the partners are unaffected carrier for the gene (or heterozygous). The defect could be due to either mutation or deletion which ultimately results in reduced rate of synthesis of one of the globin chains (α and β chains) that make up haemoglobin. This causes the formation of abnormal haemoglobin molecules resulting into anaemia which is characteristic of the disease. Thalassemia can be classified according t