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Thalassemia and sickle cell anemia are caused due to a problem in globin molecule synthesis. Select the correct statement:

Correct answer: B. Thalassemia is due to less synthesis of globin molecules

  • A. Both are due to a quantitative defect in globin chain synthesis
  • B. Thalassemia is due to less synthesis of globin molecules
  • C. Sickle cell anemia is due to a quantitative problem of globin molecules
  • D. Both are due to a qualitative defect in globin chain synthesis

Explanation

Sickle cell anemia is caused by a point mutation at the 6th position of the beta-globin chain, where glutamic acid is replaced by valine, leading to a qualitative defect in hemoglobin function. In contrast, thalassemia is characterized by mutations or deletions that reduce the synthesis of one of the globin chains, a quantitative defect. Thus, the correct statement is that thalassemia involves less synthesis of globin molecules, a quantitative issue, while sickle cell anemia involves a qualitative change.

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