Malaria is a widespread and severe infectious disease Only p

Malaria is a widespread and severe infectious disease. Only people who have the sickle-cell trait gain higher protection from malaria. Which genotype is associated with higher protection against malaria? Homozygous Hb^A. Heterozygous Hb^A/Hb^s. Homozygous Hb^s. The risk of developing malaria is independent of a person\'s genotype.

Solution

Answer : The correct answer is B ( hetrozygous Hb^A/Hb^s) : Heterozygote advantage.

Explanation : Heterozygotes who have both normal and abnormal haemoglobins and who also have mild anaemia are naturally protected against contracting malaria as the parasite cannot live in these distorted cells. Heterozygotes may, therefore survive better in a region where malaria is endemic.