What is the reason for the prevalence of the sickle-cell allele in African populations?
A) Sickled cells are better able to clot blood.
B) African populations tend to be at higher altitudes, and sickled cells better bind oxygen in these environments.
C) Heterozygotes have some resistance to the parasite that causes malaria.
D) Sickled cells help prevent vitamin A deficiency among African populations.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Heterozygotes for the sickle-cell allele (carrying one copy of the sickle-cell gene and one normal hemoglobin gene) have a resistance to malaria, a disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite. This advantage has led to the prevalence of the sickle-cell allele in regions where malaria is common, such as parts of Africa.

What Is the Reason for the Prevalence of the Sickle-Cell