Which chromosomes are defective in alpha thalassemia and beta thalassemia, respectively?

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Multiple Choice

Which chromosomes are defective in alpha thalassemia and beta thalassemia, respectively?

Globin gene clusters sit on different chromosomes, which is why the defective genes lie on distinct chromosomes for each type. The alpha-globin genes (HBA1 and HBA2) are located on chromosome 16, so alpha-thalassemia involves issues with chromosome 16. The beta-globin gene (HBB) is on chromosome 11, so beta-thalassemia involves chromosome 11. Therefore, alpha thalassemia corresponds to chromosome 16 and beta thalassemia to chromosome 11.

Globin gene clusters sit on different chromosomes, which is why the defective genes lie on distinct chromosomes for each type. The alpha-globin genes (HBA1 and HBA2) are located on chromosome 16, so alpha-thalassemia involves issues with chromosome 16. The beta-globin gene (HBB) is on chromosome 11, so beta-thalassemia involves chromosome 11. Therefore, alpha thalassemia corresponds to chromosome 16 and beta thalassemia to chromosome 11.

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