Haematology: megaloblastic anaemia: practice question

A Pathology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pathology · Haematology: megaloblastic anaemia

Sample item

Hypersegmented neutrophils and macro-ovalocytes result from impaired synthesis of which macromolecule?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. DNA

Folate or vitamin B12 deficiency impairs thymidylate synthesis, delaying nuclear maturation while cytoplasmic maturation continues. The result is megaloblastic marrow and macro-ovalocytic anaemia.

Option by option

  • A. DNA (correct)

    Correct. Defective DNA replication causes nuclear-cytoplasmic asynchrony.

  • B. Immunoglobulin

    Immunoglobulin synthesis is not the basis of megaloblastosis.

  • C. Haemoglobin

    Haemoglobin defects cause other microcytic or haemolytic patterns.

  • D. Collagen

    Collagen synthesis defects cause connective-tissue abnormalities.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is A, DNA. Folate or vitamin B12 deficiency impairs thymidylate synthesis, delaying nuclear maturation while cytoplasmic maturation continues.

Why is "Immunoglobulin" not the answer?

Immunoglobulin synthesis is not the basis of megaloblastosis.

Why is "Haemoglobin" not the answer?

Haemoglobin defects cause other microcytic or haemolytic patterns.

Why is "Collagen" not the answer?

Collagen synthesis defects cause connective-tissue abnormalities.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Haematology: megaloblastic anaemia in Pathology. The result is megaloblastic marrow and macro-ovalocytic anaemia.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Haematology: megaloblastic anaemia?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.