Thalassemia Is a Recessive Blood Disease Caused by Reduced Synthesis

Multiple Choice

Thalassemia is a recessive blood disease caused by reduced synthesis of one of the globin genes. While SCD is a mutation in the structure of hemoglobin, thalassemias can also be caused by mutations in the regulatory elements, causing too little globin to be produced and resulting in anemia. You've designed a DNA probe that you want to use to screen a family for a rare mutation in the β-globin gene that causes thalassemia. First you will use the probe for northern blotting. What information will the northern blot tell you?

A) whether the mRNA for β-globin is being translated into functional proteins in a given cell population
B) whether the amount of the β-globin gene being transcribed (mRNA levels) is within normal range
C) the size of the mRNA being transcribed
D) the presence of a particular mutation by restriction fragment analysis
E) both B and C are correct