Final answer:
The statement that α-thalassemia with a trans deletion is more prevalent in African populations is False. While thalassemia and sickle cell disease are related conditions with high prevalence in Africa, the specific deletion pattern in α-thalassemia does not have increased prevalence there.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks whether α-thalassemia with a trans deletion is more prevalent in African populations. This statement is False. α-thalassemia is a condition where there is a decreased production of the α-chain of globin, which can form atypical hemoglobin when the β-chain combines with different globin chains. Although thalassemia itself is common in areas such as the Mediterranean, Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, the specific type you asked about, with a trans deletion, is not particularly more prevalent in African populations than other types of α-thalassemia deletions. Instead, the sickle cell allele, which is different though related to thalassemia, is known to have a high prevalence in African populations. It's important to distinguish between these two conditions and their genetic variations.