**Core Concept**
Hereditary spherocytosis is a genetic disorder affecting the red blood cell membrane, leading to the production of abnormally shaped, sphere-like red blood cells that are prone to premature destruction.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The condition is caused by mutations in genes encoding proteins crucial for the assembly and maintenance of the red blood cell membrane, such as ankyrin, band 3, spectrin, and protein 4.2. These mutations disrupt the normal interactions between these proteins, resulting in the characteristic spherocytic shape and increased susceptibility to hemolysis. The affected red blood cells are more rigid and prone to premature destruction in the spleen, leading to anemia and other complications.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect as hereditary spherocytosis is not primarily characterized by a defect in the production of hemoglobin.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect as hereditary spherocytosis is not primarily caused by a viral infection or autoimmune process.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect as hereditary spherocytosis is not primarily characterized by the presence of abnormal white blood cells.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Hereditary spherocytosis is often associated with jaundice, anemia, and splenomegaly, and can be diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and genetic analysis.

**Correct Answer:** C.