NEETZoologyPrinciples of Inheritance and Variation
How does Thalassemia affect hemoglobin synthesis?
Options
- AIt leads to an increased production of α and β globin chains
- BIt results in a reduced rate of synthesis of one of the globin chains
- CIt causes the production of an abnormal type of hemoglobin
- DIt leads to an excess of globin chains in the blood
Correct answer
B. It results in a reduced rate of synthesis of one of the globin chains
Step-by-step solution
This causes the formation of abnormal haemoglobin molecules resulting into anaemia which is characteristic of the disease . Thalassemia can be classified according to which chain of the haemoglobin molecule is affected. In α Thalassemia, production of α globin chain is affected while in β Thalassemia, production of β globin chain is affected. α Thalassemia is controlled by two closely linked genes HBA1 and HBA2 on chromosome 16 of each parent and it is observed due to mutation or deletion of one or more of the four