Term describing anemia due to defective synthesis of hemoglobin?

Term describing anemia due to defective synthesis of hemoglobin?

• A. Thalassemia
• B. Aplastic anemia
• C. Sideroblastic anemia
• D. Pernicious anemia

Answer: (A)

Defective synthesis of hemoglobin is seen in thalassemias. These inherited disorders reduce production of one globin chain (alpha or beta), so hemoglobin levels drop and red cells become microcytic and hypochromic. Aplastic anemia, by contrast, is bone marrow failure with pancytopenia. Sideroblastic anemia involves problems in heme synthesis within mitochondria and often shows ring sideroblasts. Pernicious anemia is due to vitamin B12 deficiency, leading to impaired DNA synthesis and a macrocytic, megaloblastic anemia.

Defective synthesis of hemoglobin is seen in thalassemias. These inherited disorders reduce production of one globin chain (alpha or beta), so hemoglobin levels drop and red cells become microcytic and hypochromic. Aplastic anemia, by contrast, is bone marrow failure with pancytopenia. Sideroblastic anemia involves problems in heme synthesis within mitochondria and often shows ring sideroblasts. Pernicious anemia is due to vitamin B12 deficiency, leading to impaired DNA synthesis and a macrocytic, megaloblastic anemia.