Final answer:
Individuals with defects in the spectrin protein often have anemia because the spectrin protein is responsible for maintaining the shape and stability of red blood cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
Individuals with defects in the spectrin protein often have anemia because the spectrin protein is responsible for maintaining the shape and stability of red blood cells.
Red blood cells are normally biconcave discs, which allows them to pass through narrow blood vessels and carry oxygen efficiently. However, defects in the spectrin protein can lead to abnormal red blood cell shape and fragility.
As a result, the misshapen and fragile red blood cells may break down more easily, resulting in a low red blood cell count and anemia.