Question

A patient's red blood cells appear normal in number but cannot carry oxygen effectively. Analysis shows the cells contain abnormal hemoglobin proteins that don't bind oxygen properly. What has gone wrong?
Question 4 options:

Genetic changes affecting hemoglobin structure and oxygen-binding function

Nuclear damage affecting red blood cell division and reproduction

Mitochondrial damage preventing energy production in red blood cells

Cell membrane problems preventing oxygen from entering the cells

Answer 1

Genetic changes affecting hemoglobin structure and oxygen-binding function.

Reason: Abnormal hemoglobin proteins arise from mutations in hemoglobin genes that alter its structure and reduce O2 binding (e.g., sickle cell, thalassemias). RBCs lack nuclei and mitochondria, so the other options are unlikely causes.