Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is thalassemia and what is its effect on red blood cells?
What is thalassemia and what is its effect on red blood cells?
Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder characterized by an abnormal form of hemoglobin, resulting in excessive destruction of red blood cells, leading to anemia.
What are the two major types of thalassemia and what causes them?
What are the two major types of thalassemia and what causes them?
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.
Where are the genes for alpha and beta subunits of hemoglobin located?
Where are the genes for alpha and beta subunits of hemoglobin located?
The genes for alpha subunits are located on chromosome 16, and the genes for beta subunits are located on chromosome 11.
What is the difference between alpha thalassemia and beta thalassemia in terms of their genetic causes?
What is the difference between alpha thalassemia and beta thalassemia in terms of their genetic causes?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the composition of adult hemoglobin?
What is the composition of adult hemoglobin?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a potential benefit associated with thalassemia?
What is a potential benefit associated with thalassemia?
Signup and view all the answers
