Which suffix means lack or deficiency?

• A. emia
• B. penia
• C. pnea
• D. lysis

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that some suffixes describe a lack or deficiency of something in the body. The suffix penia means deficiency or lack, especially of a particular cell type or component. That’s why terms like leukopenia (low white blood cells) or thrombocytopenia (low platelets) use penia to convey a shortage.

Other suffixes describe different concepts. -emia denotes a blood condition in general (not specifically a deficiency), as in anemia or polycythemia. -pnea relates to breathing (as in dyspnea or apnea), and -lysis means destruction or breakdown (as in hemolysis).