Question

It is determined that Elsa is experiencing beta-thalassemia major. Which of the following statements is not true regarding this diagnosis?
A) The cause of beta-thalassemia is genetic.
B) Beta-thalassemia major is a grave condition and has a high mortality rate.
C) Beta-thalassemia major is often treated with blood transfusions.
D) Because beta-thalassemia is an x-linked trait, it affects males more often than females.

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct option is D

Explanation:

Beta-thalassemia major is a hereditary disorder that usually causes severe anaemia. This mutation/disorder eventually leads to death if untreated especially during in the first two years of infancy. The treatment usually involves the transfusion of blood to clear the phenotypic blockage caused by the mutation. However, it requires both alleles to have the thalessemia mutation for a patient to be said to have beta-thalassemia major. Hence, it is not true that it involves just the x allele and thus affects males more often than females.