One Would Expect That Defects in the Globin Genes Would $\beta$

question 27

Multiple Choice

One would expect that defects in the globin genes would be so serious as to cause death in utero. Which of the following explains how some thalassemias are found in living people?

• A)in \(\beta\)-thalassemia, the use of the \(\gamma\) subunit allows individuals to live a normal lifespan
• B)individuals who completely lack functional \(\alpha\) subunits can live if placed in a hypobaric chamber to induce hypoxia
• C)since humans have 4 copies of the \(\alpha\) chain gene, effects are only seen when at least 3 of the genes are nonfunctional
• D)individuals with nonfunctional \(\alpha\) chain genes can make \(\beta\)₂\(\gamma\)₂ tetramers that function normally
• E)none of the above

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Definitions:

Economy

A system of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services among individuals and businesses in a certain area or country.

Increasing Rate

A situation or condition where there is a rise in the percentage or level of a particular economic variable or indicator over a designated period.

Slope

The measure of the steepness or incline of a line, indicating the rate of change between two points on a graph.

Decreasing Rate

A situation where the rate at which a process occurs slows down over time.