In B-thalassemia, what globin will form unstable aggregates that result in RBC destruction?

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Study for the CVP and GI Pathology Exam 1. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your test!

Multiple Choice

In B-thalassemia, what globin will form unstable aggregates that result in RBC destruction?

Explanation:
In beta-thalassemia, the problem is not with the alpha globin being deficient but with the beta globin being underproduced. This creates an excess of alpha globin chains inside developing and circulating red cells. Those excess alpha chains are unstable and tend to precipitate as insoluble aggregates within the cell, damaging the cell membrane and leading to red cell destruction. So the globin that forms the unstable aggregates causing RBC destruction in this condition is the alpha globin.

In beta-thalassemia, the problem is not with the alpha globin being deficient but with the beta globin being underproduced. This creates an excess of alpha globin chains inside developing and circulating red cells. Those excess alpha chains are unstable and tend to precipitate as insoluble aggregates within the cell, damaging the cell membrane and leading to red cell destruction. So the globin that forms the unstable aggregates causing RBC destruction in this condition is the alpha globin.

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