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In addition to RBCs, megaloblastic anemia also leads to megaloblastic change in cells that are rapidly-dividing, e.g. intestinal epithelial cells. True or False?

User Mpluse
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Final answer:

True, megaloblastic anemia can cause megaloblastic changes not only in RBCs but also in rapidly dividing cells such as intestinal epithelial cells due to impaired DNA synthesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that in addition to RBCs, megaloblastic anemia also leads to megaloblastic change in cells that are rapidly-dividing, such as intestinal epithelial cells, is True. Megaloblastic anemia is typically due to a deficiency of vitamin B12 and/or folate. These deficiencies can lead to larger than normal and dysfunctional red blood cells, termed megaloblasts, which appear because of impaired DNA synthesis. This impairment also affects other rapidly dividing cells beyond the red blood cells, including the epithelial cells of the intestinal lining. Consequently, one can observe megaloblastic changes in these cells, which may manifest as gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea or malabsorption.

User Pratt
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