How would present allele frequencies of the sickle cell allele change, if there was no heterozygote advantage or disadvantage (that is, that heterozygotes would be identical to ‘normal’ homozygotes – no malaria resistance, no anemia)? How would the change in sickle cell allele frequencies compare to scenario a (extirpation of malaria)

Human Biology (MindTap Course List)
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305112100
Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan
Chapter19: Introduction To Genetics
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 9CT
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Sickle cell anemia is caused by a recessive allele at a single gene. As we discussed in class, being a homozygote for the sickle cell allele is almost always lethal, but heterozygotes tend to be resistant against malaria although they have a mild form of anemia. Because of this heterozygote advantage, the allele for sickle cell anemia has a frequency of more than 10% in some human populations.

  1.     How would present allele frequencies of the sickle cell allele change, if there was no heterozygote advantage or disadvantage (that is, that heterozygotes would be identical to ‘normal’ homozygotes – no malaria resistance, no anemia)? How would the change in sickle cell allele frequencies compare to scenario a (extirpation of malaria)
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