Final answer:
Thalassemia carriers have an inherited mutation that provides a selective advantage by offering protection against Plasmodium falciparum malaria. This is considered true as abnormal hemoglobin can lead to less hospitable conditions for the malaria parasite.
Thalassemia and other similar hemoglobin disorders like sickle cell anemia are prime examples of genetic adaptations that have persisted due to their protective effects against malaria.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that thalassemia is an inherited mutation that protects carriers against Plasmodium falciparum malaria is True. Thalassemia is a type of inherited anemia caused by abnormal hemoglobin.
Much like the sickle-cell trait, it is considered a genetic adaptation to malaria in regions where the disease is endemic, such as the Mediterranean, parts of Africa, and South and Southeast Asia.
Individuals with thalassemia produce abnormal hemoglobin and this can lead to the destruction of red blood cells (RBCs).
The most severe form of thalassemia is Cooley's anemia. While thalassemia can lead to severe anemia and other health complications, the mutation has persisted in certain populations because it offers a selective advantage - protection against malaria. Specifically, the abnormal red blood cells are less hospitable to the malaria parasite, reducing the likelihood of severe infections.
In the case of other blood disorders like sickle cell anemia, individuals who are heterozygous carriers can develop resistance to malaria infection, whereas those who are homozygous have severe health issues.
Hemoglobin S is another abnormal hemoglobin variant that provides genetic adaptation to malaria.