Question

A deficiency of which enzyme would be the most likely the cause of this patient’s anemia?

A. Lactate dehydrogenase
B. Pyruvate kinase
C. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
D. Carbonic anhydrase

Answer 1

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most likely cause of the patient's anemia as this enzyme deficiency leads to reduced protection of red blood cells from oxidative damage, causing their premature breakdown.

Step-by-step explanation:

The deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is the most likely cause of the patient's anemia. G6PD deficiency, an X-linked recessive hereditary disease, is the most common enzyme deficiency in humans. It leads to a compromised capacity of red blood cells to deal with oxidative stress, resulting in their premature breakdown and subsequent anemia. This enzyme plays a crucial role in the pentose phosphate pathway, which is responsible for producing NADPH. NADPH is essential for maintaining the level of glutathione within the cells, a molecule that protects against oxidative damage. Without adequate levels of G6PD, red blood cells are more susceptible to destruction, leading to hemolytic anemia.