<prompt> Which of the following is most likely to cause a hypochromic microcytic anemia?Folate deficiencyHereditary spherocytosisIron deficiency anemiaSickle cell anemia  <response>: Conditions that produce microcytic anemia include iron deficiency, thalassemia minor, anemia of chronic disease, and the anemia produced by erythrocyte fragmentation. Folate deficiency usually produces a macrocytic anemia. Hereditary spherocytosis usually produces an anemia with cells of normal volume. Sickle cell anemia usually produces an anemia with cells of normal volume. Ref: Barrett K.E., Barman S.M., Boitano S., Brooks H.L. 2012. Chapter 26. Digestion, Absorption, Nutritional Principles. In K.E. Barrett, S.M. Barman, S. Boitano, H.L. Brooks Eds, Ganongs Review of Medical Physiology, 24e. 