QQuestionBiology
QuestionBiology
"Q^5.1. Which of the following is FALSE?
• If a genetic disease reduces fertility and the allele that causes the disease offers no other advantage, the allele will likely eventually disappear, due to natural selection.
Natural selection does not favor individuals who are homozygous for the sickle-cell allele, because these individuals typically die before they are old enough to reproduce.
Individuals who are heterozygous HbA/HbS are protected from malaria, and this is why sickle-cell disease persists in wetter, mosquito-prone regions in Africa.
In regions where malaria does not occur, individuals who are heterozygous HbA/HbS have a fitness advantage over those who are homozygous for the normal hemoglobin allele (HbA)."
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Answer
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Step 1: Identify the false statement.
Let's examine each statement and determine if it is true or false: Statement 1: If a genetic disease reduces fertility and the allele that causes the disease offers no other advantage, the allele will likely eventually disappear, due to natural selection. - This statement is generally true. If an allele reduces fertility, it will be selected against, and its frequency in the population will decrease over time.
Step 2: Examine the second statement.
Statement 2: Natural selection does not favor individuals who are homozygous for the sickle-cell allele, because these individuals typically die before they are old enough to reproduce. - This statement is true. Homozygous individuals for the sickle-cell allele (HbS/HbS) have sickle cell anemia, which is often fatal before reproductive age.
Final Answer
The false statement is, "In regions where malaria does not occur, individuals who are heterozygous HbA/HbS have a fitness advantage over those who are homozygous for the normal hemoglobin allele (HbA)."
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