Question

α-thalassemia due to a three gene deletion is characterized by the formation of β4 tetramers, known as HbH. HbH tetramers may damage RBCs, thus causing severe anemia, also known as 'H bodies'. True or False?

Answer 1

True, α-thalassemia with a three gene deletion leads to excess β-chains forming HbH tetramers, damaging RBCs and causing severe anemia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that α-thalassemia due to a three gene deletion is characterized by the formation of β4 tetramers, known as HbH, is true. In α-thalassemia, there is a decrease in the synthesis of α-chains of globin, which can lead to an excess of β-chains. These excess β-chains can form tetramers (β4) known as HbH, or H bodies, which are unstable and can damage red blood cells (RBCs), causing severe anemia. Thalassemias are a group of inherited blood disorders that affect hemoglobin production, leading to abnormal formation of hemoglobin and the destruction of RBCs.