Q. The mutant haemoglobin molecule undergoes polymerization under low oxygen tension causing the change in the shape of RBC from biconcave to elongated structure. This property of RBC is found in

A) Haemophilia
B) Colour blindness
C) Phenylketonuria
D) $Β$-thalassaemia
Explanation

Haemophilia. Genetic or chromosomal symbol used for person who is having sickle-cell anaemia Ps − Hb S HbS . Sickle-cell Anaemia (i) It is an autosome-linked recessive trait (ii) The disease is controlled by a single pair of allele Hb S and Hb S (iii) Only the homozygous individuals for Hb S , i.e., Hb SHbS show the diseased phenotype (iv) The heterozygous individuals are carriers (Hb ୅HbS ) (v) Due to point mutation, glutamic acid (Glu) is replaced by valine (Val) at the sixth position of β-globin chain of haemoglobin molecule (vi) A single base substitution at sixth codon of the beta globulin gene from GAG to GUG. GAG code for glutamic acid and GUG code for valine. (vii) Hb S behaves as normal haemoglobin except under the oxygen stress where erythrocytes lose their circular shape and become sickle-shaped. As a result, the cells cannot pass through narrow capillaries. Blood capillaries are clogged and thus, affect blood supply to different organs

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.