Hematology: Thalassemia Lecture 5

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder characterized by an abnormal form of hemoglobin, resulting in excessive destruction of red blood cells, leading to anemia.

The two major types of thalassemia are alpha thalassemia, caused by a defect in the rate of synthesis of alpha chains, and beta thalassemia, caused by a defect in the rate of synthesis of beta chains.

The genes for alpha subunits are located on chromosome 16, and the genes for beta subunits are located on chromosome 11.

<p>Alpha thalassemia is usually caused by gene deletion, while beta thalassemia is usually caused by a mutation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Adult hemoglobin is composed of two alpha chains and two beta chains.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Thalassemia may contribute to protection against malaria.</p> Signup and view all the answers