In regions where malaria is prevalent, the S allele is beneficial because:
A)it improves the ability of the hemoglobin to carry oxygen.
B)it improves the ability of the immune system to fight Plasmodium, the parasite that causes malaria.
C)it causes red blood cells to distort, which makes them less hospitable to Plasmodium, the parasite that causes malaria.
D)it prevents mosquitoes from releasing Plasmodium, the mosquito that causes malaria, into the blood.
E)None of the answer options is correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The S allele causes red blood cells to distort, which makes them less hospitable to Plasmodium, the parasite that causes malaria. This is because the distorted cells are harder for the parasite to attach and invade. Therefore, individuals with the S allele have a lower chance of contracting malaria, making the allele beneficial in regions where the disease is prevalent.

In Regions Where Malaria Is Prevalent, the S Allele Is