Cytogenetics: 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 · Cytogenetics

Sample item

The Philadelphia chromosome, t(9;22), is characteristic of which condition?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Chronic myeloid leukaemia

t(9;22) fuses BCR on chromosome 22 with ABL on chromosome 9, creating a constitutively active tyrosine kinase. It is present in almost all chronic myeloid leukaemia and is targeted by imatinib.

Option by option

  • A. Hairy cell leukaemia

    Hairy cell leukaemia carries the BRAF V600E mutation.

  • B. Burkitt lymphoma

    Burkitt lymphoma has t(8;14), involving c-myc.

  • C. Chronic myeloid leukaemia (correct)

    Correct. The BCR-ABL fusion drives CML and is the target of imatinib.

  • D. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

    CLL typically has deletions such as 13q, not t(9;22).

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.

More Pathology questions

Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is C, Chronic myeloid leukaemia. t(9;22) fuses BCR on chromosome 22 with ABL on chromosome 9, creating a constitutively active tyrosine kinase.

Why is "Hairy cell leukaemia" not the answer?

Hairy cell leukaemia carries the BRAF V600E mutation.

Why is "Burkitt lymphoma" not the answer?

Burkitt lymphoma has t(8;14), involving c-myc.

Why is "Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia" not the answer?

CLL typically has deletions such as 13q, not t(9;22).

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cytogenetics in Pathology. It is present in almost all chronic myeloid leukaemia and is targeted by imatinib.

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 Cytogenetics?

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.