Question

The hemoglobin E (HbE) allele of β globin, which is associated with reduced production of the β-globin chain, occurs at a very high frequency in which region?

A Europe
B South America
C Sub-Saharan Africa
D The Middle East
E Southeast Asia

Answer 1

The hemoglobin E (HbE) allele occurs at a very high frequency in Southeast Asia and is an adaptation to malaria.

Step-by-step explanation:

The hemoglobin E (HbE) allele of β globin, which is associated with reduced production of the β-globin chain, occurs at a very high frequency in Southeast Asia. This abnormal hemoglobin variant is found mainly in South and Southeast Asia and is known to be a genetic adaptation to malaria. Similar to other hemoglobin disorders like β-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia, the presence of one copy of the HbE allele provides some protective advantage against malaria, a disease prevalent in these regions.