Question

1) What effect did the sickle cell gene have on the people who were carriers of the mutation?

2) Why has the sickle cell gene persisted even when sickle cell anemia is so debilitating?
3) What are the odds that the child of parents who each carry one normal gene and one sickle cell mutation gene will have sickle cell anemia?
4) What are the odds that a child of two carrier parents will also be a carrier and, thus, be protected from malaria?

Answer 1

The sickle cell gene affects carriers by causing sickle-shaped red blood cells. The gene has persisted due to its protective effect against malaria. The odds of having sickle cell anemia or being a carrier depend on the parents' genes.

Step-by-step explanation:

1) The sickle cell gene affects carriers of the mutation by causing sickle-shaped red blood cells, which can clog blood vessels and block blood flow. This can lead to symptoms such as high fever, severe pain, swelling, and tissue damage.

2) The sickle cell gene has persisted because carriers of the mutation have a reduced risk of contracting malaria. In regions where malaria is prevalent, the gene provides a survival advantage by protecting carriers from the disease.

3) The odds of a child of parents who each carry one normal gene and one sickle cell mutation gene having sickle cell anemia are 25%. This occurs when both parents pass on the sickle cell mutation gene to the child.

4) The odds of a child of two carrier parents also being a carrier and protected from malaria are 50%. This is because there is a 25% chance of the child inheriting two normal genes, a 25% chance of inheriting two sickle cell mutation genes and a 50% chance of inheriting one normal gene and one sickle cell mutation gene.