Question

The high prevalence of the sickle cell allele in Africans is likely due to its protective role against Plasmodium falciparum malaria. What is the reason for the high prevalence of the sickle cell allele in Africans?

1) Genetic mutation
2) Environmental factors
3) Dietary habits
4) Inheritance from ancestors

Answer 1

The high prevalence of the sickle cell allele in Africans is due to its protective role against malaria and its increased survival and reproduction rates in heterozygotes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The high prevalence of the sickle cell allele in Africans is likely due to its protective role against Plasmodium falciparum malaria. This is because heterozygotes (AS) with the sickle-cell allele are resistant to malaria, increasing their chances of survival and reproduction. As a result, the sickle cell allele is kept in the gene pool. It is important to note that the sickle-cell gene originated in Africa and spread to the United States during the slave trade. Once out of Africa, where malaria was prevalent, the sickle-cell mutation didn't provide any health benefits and became a source of disease