The phenotype of a person with alpha thalassemia depends on
A) the number of beta globin genes.
B) the presence or absence of a sickle cell mutation.
C) the number of alpha globin chains.
D) the rate of replication of the alpha globin genes.
E) whether the person smokes or not.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Alpha thalassemia is a genetic disorder caused by a deficiency in the production of alpha globin chains. The phenotype of a person with alpha thalassemia is determined by the number of alpha globin chains that are missing or reduced. The more severe the deficiency, the more severe the symptoms will be. The number of beta globin genes, the presence or absence of a sickle cell mutation, the rate of replication of the alpha globin genes, or whether the person smokes or not are not directly related to the phenotype of alpha thalassemia.

The Phenotype of a Person with Alpha Thalassemia Depends on