Question

n regions where malaria is common, some people have a genetic variation known as the sickle cell trait. People with one sickle cell allele and one normal allele (heterozygous) have a resistance to malaria, while people with two normal alleles are more likely to get malaria. However, people with two sickle cell alleles (homozygous) can develop sickle cell disease, which is harmful.

Why does having one sickle cell allele provide a survival advantage in regions where malaria is common?



(1 point)
Responses

The sickle cell trait improves overall health and resistance to other diseases.
The sickle cell trait improves overall health and resistance to other diseases.

People with the sickle cell allele are less likely to develop sickle cell disease.
People with the sickle cell allele are less likely to develop sickle cell disease.

The sickle cell trait protects people from malaria without causing the severe effects of sickle cell disease.
The sickle cell trait protects people from malaria without causing the severe effects of sickle cell disease.

Answers

GPT-4o mini
The correct response is:

**The sickle cell trait protects people from malaria without causing the severe effects of sickle cell disease.**

Having one sickle cell allele (sickle cell trait) provides a survival advantage in malaria-endemic regions because it offers protection against malaria infection while avoiding the severe health complications associated with having two sickle cell alleles (sickle cell disease). This trait allows heterozygous individuals to be more resistant to malaria, which increases their chances of survival in those regions.

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