Why does folate or vitamin B₁₂ deficiency lead to macrocytic anemia?
A) because reduced hemoglobin synthesis will produce cells of inadequate size
B) because poor DNA synthesis will impair blood cells' ability to divide
C) because red blood cell precursors (stem cells) will proliferate in the bone marrow
D) because white blood cells (leukocytes) will proliferate in the bone marrow

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Folate and vitamin B₁₂ are essential for DNA synthesis, and their deficiency can impair the division of blood cells in the bone marrow. This leads to the production of larger but immature cells, causing macrocytic anemia. Reduced hemoglobin synthesis may also contribute to anemia, but it is not the primary mechanism behind macrocytic anemia seen in folate or vitamin B₁₂ deficiency. The proliferation of red or white blood cells in the bone marrow is not the cause of macrocytic anemia.

Why Does Folate or Vitamin B₁₂ Deficiency Lead to Macrocytic