Question

Β-thalassemia is usually due to gene mutations. These mutations affect the transcription, processing, or translation of beta-globin mRNA. Most commonly, they cause aberrant precursor mRNA splicing or premature chain termination during mRNA translation. In some cases, point mutations prevent RNA pol from binding to the promoter region. As opposed to alpha-thalassemia which is usually due to gene deletions. What is the main cause of β-thalassemia?

1) Gene deletions
2) Aberrant precursor mRNA splicing
3) Premature chain termination during mRNA translation
4) Point mutations preventing RNA pol from binding to the promoter region

Answer 1

Beta-thalassemia is typically caused by gene mutations leading to aberrant precursor mRNA splicing in the beta-globin gene, which affects the synthesis of the beta-chain of hemoglobin.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main cause of beta-thalassemia is due to gene mutations that affect the transcription, processing, or translation of beta-globin mRNA. Most of these mutations lead to aberrant precursor mRNA splicing or premature chain termination during mRNA translation, impacting the synthesis rate of the beta-chain of globin.

Unlike alpha-thalassemia, which is commonly due to gene deletions, beta-thalassemia is characterized by nucleotide changes affecting mRNA process, including point mutations. However, aberrant precursor mRNA splicing is the most common issue leading to this condition.