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

Options

A. both are due to a qualitative defect in globin chain synthesis.
B. both are due to a quantitave defect in globin chain synthesis.
C. thalassemia is due to less synthesis of globin molecules
D. Sickl cell anemia is due to a quantitative problem of globin molecules

Answer

To solve the question regarding thalassemia and sickle cell anemia, we need to analyze the nature of these two genetic disorders and how they relate to the synthesis of globin molecules.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Thalassemia**:
- Thalassemia is a genetic disorder characterized by reduced synthesis of one or more of the globin chains that make up hemoglobin.
- This leads to a deficiency in the production of hemoglobin, resulting in abnormal red blood cells (RBCs) and anemia.

2. **Understanding Sickle Cell Anemia**:
- Sickle cell anemia is also a genetic disorder but is caused by a specific mutation in the beta globin gene.
- This mutation leads to the substitution of glutamic acid with valine at the sixth position of the beta globin chain, causing the hemoglobin to form abnormal shapes (sickle-shaped RBCs).

3. **Qualitative vs. Quantitative Defects**:
- A qualitative defect refers to a change in the structure of the protein (like the mutation in sickle cell anemia).
- A quantitative defect refers to a decrease in the amount of protein produced (as seen in thalassemia).

4. **Identifying the Correct Statement**:
- Thalassemia is primarily a quantitative defect due to decreased globin synthesis.
- Sickle cell anemia is a qualitative defect due to a mutation in the beta globin gene.

5. **Conclusion**:
- The correct statement is that thalassemia is due to a quantitative defect in globin synthesis, while sickle cell anemia is due to a qualitative defect.

### Final Answer:
- The correct statement is: "Thalassemia is due to the less synthesis of the globin molecule, while sickle cell anemia is due to a qualitative defect in the globin molecule."