Pernicious anemia is caused by a lack of
A) iron.
B) intrinsic factor.
C) folate.
D) erythropoietin.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fundamental defect causing pernicious anemia is the lack of intrinsic factor.Without it,vitamin B₁₂ cannot be absorbed.Iron deficiency does not lead to pernicious anemia.Rather,it is the most common cause of anemia and is the result of unavailability of iron for hemoglobin synthesis.Pernicious anemia and folate deficiency are similar in etiology.Both are caused by a disruption in DNA synthesis of blast cells in bone marrow.Erythropoietin is necessary for the production of red cells.

Pernicious Anemia Is Caused by a Lack of