Question

Glucose-6 -phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is associated with hemolysis of
A. Leukocytes
B. Lymphocytes
C. Platelets
D. RBCs

Answer 1

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase is an enzyme vital for the first step of the phosphogluconate pathway to occur. This enzyme possesses a variety of other functions as well. Any deficiency associated with the enzyme results in many physiological defects.

Complete answer: The enzyme plays an important role in the maintenance of RBCs. Thereby protecting the cells from any damage or stress, and protecting it from getting destroyed prematurely. The process of destruction of RBCs by breaking down is known as hemolysis. This causes a medical condition called hemolytic anemia, where the rate of destruction of RBCs is greater than its production rate. This can lead to yellow pigmentation on skin and eyes known as jaundice, paleness, dark-colored urine, and fatigue.
Considering the other options:
-Leukocytes are also known as the white blood cells (WBCs) and the immunity mediating blood cells. The enzyme is vital for the immune reactions caused due to these cells, but are not involved with its
hemolysis.
-Lymphocytes are a type of WBCs involved in the production of antibodies, and any deficiency in the
The above-given enzyme does not lead to hemolysis.
-Platelets are the blood cells that are involved in the blood clotting reactions. But any deficiency of the
enzyme does not affect the metabolism or the number of platelets, but a very severe deficiency of the
enzymes can lead to an increased platelet count. But does not lead to hemolysis.
Thus from the above-given options, the most appropriate and correct one is option D, the RBCs.

Note: Any deficiency caused in the enzyme is for genetic reasons. And it can worsen and cause hemolysis when a person is exposed to certain medicines or infections. The drugs used for treating cancer is one of the major drugs causing enzyme deficiency.