Question

Which chromosomes carry the mutant genes causing thalassemia in humans? What are the problems caused by these mutant genes?

Answer 1

When someone has beta thalassemia, there is a mutation in chromosome 11. Beta globin is made on chromosome 11 (beta globin, along with alpha globin, is one of the proteins that makes up hemoglobin). So, if one or both of the genes that tells chromosome 11 to produce beta globin is altered, less beta globin is made.