Final answer:
A deficiency of a specific protein of the factor VIII complex leads to hemophilia A, a genetic disorder that impedes the body's ability to clot blood and causes excessive bleeding.
Step-by-step explanation:
The deficiency of a specific protein of the factor VIII complex is associated with hemophilia A, a type of genetic disorder characterized by the inability to synthesize sufficient quantities of factor VIII, which is critical in the blood clotting process. Hemophilia A is the most common form of hemophilia, representing about 80% of cases. This disorder is typically inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern, meaning that it is often passed from a carrier mother to her male offspring. The lack of factor VIII leads to a propensity for excessive bleeding from even minor wounds. Hemophilia B, accounting for approximately 20% of cases, is caused by a deficiency of factor IX, and hemophilia C, a rarer form, results from a deficiency or dysfunction of factor XI. Treatment for these conditions often involves regular infusions of the respective clotting factors, and future therapies may include genetic approaches.