MCQ on Thalassemia

Thalassemia is a genetic blood condition in which the body generates insufficient haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is the protein molecule found in red blood cells that transports oxygen. Anaemia is caused by the severe loss of red blood cells caused by this condition. Anaemia is a condition where the number of red blood cells or haemoglobin is lower than usual.

It’s a hereditary condition that’s mostly caused by faulty haemoglobin synthesis. It is passed down through the generations by one of the parents who is the carrier of the disease, either through the deletion of specific critical gene pieces or a genetic mutation.

There are two types of Thalassemia which are Alpha – Thalassemia and Beta – Thalassemia.

Q1. Which of the following statements is true about Thalassemia?

a) There is a kind of Thalassemia on the basis of the number of mutations in the genes.

b) Thalassemia is caused by the mutations in DNA of cells that form the haemoglobin.

c) Mild Thalassemia may not require treatment.

d) All the above.

Answer. All the above is the correct answer. Thalassemia is a blood condition in which the generation of functional haemoglobin is reduced. This results in a scarcity of red blood cells and low oxygen levels in the bloodstream, which can lead to a number of health issues.

Q2. Which of the following is not a symptom of Thalassemia?

a) Slow Growth and Weakness

b) Dark Urine

c) Abdominal Cramps

d) Facial Bone Deformities

Answer. Thalassemia are genetic blood illnesses in which haemoglobin synthesis is reduced. Abdominal Cramps is the correct answer. The symptoms of Thalassemia include Fatigue, Weakness, Abdominal swelling, Dark urine and more.

Q3. Which of the following types of thalassemia disease is Cooley Anaemia?

a) Alloimmunization

b) Alpha – Thalassemia

c) Beta – Thalassemia

d) None of the above

Answer. Beta – Thalassemia is the correct answer. Beta thalassemia, commonly known as Cooley’s Anaemia, is a dangerous disease that causes considerable illness. Beta – thalassemia is a blood condition in which the body’s haemoglobin synthesis is reduced.

Q4. Which blood tests can tell if a person is a thalassemia carrier?

a) Complete Blood Count (CBC)

b) Prenatal Testing

c) Reticulocyte Counts

d) All the above

Answer. All the above is the correct answer.

A complete blood count (CBC), iron, reticulocyte count, genetic testing, and prenatal testing are all blood tests that can determine if a person is a thalassemia disease carrier.

Q5. Which of the following statements about alpha – thalassemia is correct?

a) The haemoglobin in alpha thalassemia does not synthesise enough alpha protein.

b) The severity of thalassemia is determined by the number of defective genes.

c) In southern China, India and Southeast Asia, alpha thalassemia is frequent.

d) All the above

Answer. All the above is the correct answer.

The haemoglobin in alpha thalassemia will not synthesise alpha protein enough. Four genes are required to generate alpha-globin protein chains, two on each of the 16 chromosomes. Each parent gives us two. Alpha thalassemia is caused by the absence of one or more of these genes. The intensity of alpha thalassemia is determined by the number of defective or mutated genes present. Southern China, India, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East are all home to this species.

Q6. Which of the following statements about beta – thalassemia is correct?

a) The severity is determined by gene mutation.

b) The production of beta-globin chains necessitates the expression of four globin genes, one from each parent.

c) In North Africa, Maldives, and West Asia, beta thalassemia is widespread.

d) All the above

Answer. All the above is the correct answer.

To generate beta-globin chains, two globin genes are required, one from each parent. Beta thalassemia develops when one or both genes are defective. In addition, the severity of the disease is determined by the number of mutant genes. People of Mediterranean heritage are more likely to have it. In North Africa, Maldives, and West Asia, beta thalassemia is widespread.

Q7. What consequences can occur as a result of severe thalassemia?

a) Deformities in Bone 

b) Enlarged Spleen

c) Problems of Heart

d) All the above

Answer. All the above is the correct answer. The consequences occur in severe thalassemia are Deformities in Bone, Enlarged Spleen, Problems of Heart, and slow growth rate.

Q8. What are the possible consequences that can occur in a thalassemia?

a) Iron Overload

b) Infection

c) Only A

d) Both A & B

Answer. Both A & B is the correct answer. 

People with thalassemia might accumulate too much iron in their bodies as a result of the disease or frequent blood transfusions, causing heart, liver, and endocrine system damage. In addition, patients with thalassemia illness may be more susceptible to infection.

Q9. What treatments are available for thalassemia patients?

a) Iron Chelation

b) Blood Transfusions

c) Stem Cell or Bone Marrow, transplant 

d) All the above

Answer. All the above is the correct answer. 

Blood transfusions, iron chelation (removing excess iron from bloodstream), stem cell or bone marrow transplant, surgery, and gene therapy are all options depending on the type and severity of thalassemia.

As a result, thalassemia is a genetic blood illness in which red blood cells are unable to generate haemoglobin, resulting in anaemia. Symptoms include pale complexion, limb cramps, a rapid heartbeat, headaches and delayed growth.

Q10. What factors enhance the risk of developing Thalassemia?

a) Family History of the Thalassemia

b) Specific Ancestry

c) Only B

d) Both A & B

Answer.Both A & B is the correct answer. 

The following factors raise the risk of thalassemia: Thalassemia is passed down the generations via faulty haemoglobin genes from parents to children. Thalassemia is more common in African-Americans and people of Southeast Asian and Mediterranean ancestry, and specific heritage is also responsible.