Final answer:
People of African descent are more prone to sickle cell anemia, a genetic disease, due to the protective benefits it offers against malaria. Hemochromatosis and G6PD deficiency are also more common in these populations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Genetic Diseases More Prevalent in People of African Descent
People of African descent are more prone to a genetic disease known as sickle cell anemia. This disorder is caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene. The presence of one mutated gene (heterozygous) confers some resistance to malaria, which gives a survival advantage in regions where malaria is endemic. Consequently, despite the health risks associated with being homozygous for sickle cell anemia, the trait persists in populations because it provides a protective benefit against malaria, historically a widespread and deadly disease among humans.
Hemochromatosis is another genetic condition more prevalent among individuals of African descent, leading to excessive iron absorption and potential organ damage. Other inherited conditions such as G6PD deficiency—anemia caused by mutations in the glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase gene—are also seen with higher frequency in this demographic, offering similar malaria resistance benefits.