Biology: The Dynamic Science
Biology: The Dynamic Science
4th Edition
ISBN: 9781337246422
Author: Peter J. Russell; Paul E. Hertz; Beverly McMillan
Publisher: Cengage Learning US
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Chapter 21.4, Problem 3SB
Summary Introduction

To review:

The allele that causes sickle-cell anemia is rare in human populations that are native to northern Europe.

Introduction:

HbS (sickle hemoglobin) allele encodes for the defective hemoglobin in humans. HbS allele differs from normal allele (HbA) by one amino acid. In HbS/HbS homozygotes, alleles form faulty hemoglobin, in which RBCs (red blood cells) acquire a sickle shape. Individuals containing HbS/HbS homozygotes die due to sickle cell anemia before reproducing. HbA/HbS heterozygotes offer great resistance to malaria by not allowing the parasite to multiply inside the host cells.

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Students have asked these similar questions
Why does sickle-cell anaemia persist in the human population when it is believed that the harmful alleles get eliminated from the population after a certain time?
The allele for sickle anemia is found at higher frequencies in central Africa than in other parts of the world.  What are the advantage and disadvantages?
If, within specific regional populations over two thousand years ago, sickle-cell anemia killed those individuals born with it before they could reproduce to pass it on to offspring, how did it persist in these populations?  Group of answer choices A-Because of late-onset of the disease. B-Because it is cause by a virus and it spreads faster than people died. C-Because of the basic principles of mendelian inheritance that result in some heterozygote "carrier" combinations. D-Because malaria made it possible to survive sickle cell anemia since the parasite would carry oxygen on the blood cells with the mutated hemoglobin. E-It does not persist. Natural selection removes the allele because people die from both malaria and sickle-cell anemia.
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