Question

How does the inheritance pattern of sickle cell anemia demonstrate the principles Mendel discovered, and why might this recessive trait persist in certain populations despite its harmful effects? (1 point)
Responses

Trait randomly appears in populations
Trait randomly appears in populations

Trait requires two recessive alleles and provides malaria resistance
Trait requires two recessive alleles and provides malaria resistance

Trait prevents genetic mutations
Trait prevents genetic mutations

Trait causes immediate health problems

Answer 1

Correct answer: "Trait requires two recessive alleles and provides malaria resistance."

Explanation: Sickle cell follows Mendel’s laws (alleles segregate; the recessive disease appears in homozygotes). Heterozygotes (one normal, one sickle allele) are largely healthy but have increased resistance to malaria, so the sickle allele is maintained by natural selection (heterozygote advantage) in malaria-endemic populations.