Question

Absence of the enzyme adenosine deaminase in humans causes:

• A. Thalassemia
• B. Sickle cell anaemia
• C. SCID
• D. Mad cow disease

Hint:

ADA deficiency causes SCID, a severe immune disorder due to toxic metabolite buildup.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is an enzyme crucial for purine metabolism. A deficiency in ADA results in the buildup of toxic byproducts that critically impair immune function, leading to Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID). SCID is a genetic condition characterized by a severely compromised immune system.

• SCID: A condition resulting from ADA deficiency, causing immune system dysfunction.
• Thalassemia and Sickle cell anaemia: These are hematopoietic disorders stemming from hemoglobin gene mutations and are not linked to ADA.
• Mad cow disease: This is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy affecting the central nervous system and is unrelated to the ADA enzyme.

Therefore, the appropriate answer is (C) SCID.