Heterozygotes at the sickle-cell locus produce both normal and abnormal sickle-cell hemoglobin. When hemoglobin molecules are packed into a heterozygote’s red blood cells, some cells receive relatively large quantities of abnormal hemoglobin, making these cells prone to sickling. Explain how these molecular and cellular events lead to emergent properties at the individual and population levels of biological organization.

Heterozygotes at the sickle-cell locus produce both normal and abnormal sickle-cell hemoglobin. When hemoglobin molecules are packed into a heterozygote’s red blood cells, some cells receive relatively large quantities of abnormal hemoglobin, making these cells prone to sickling. Explain how these molecular and cellular events lead to emergent properties at the individual and population levels of biological organization.

Human Heredity: Principles and Issues (MindTap Course List)

11th Edition

ISBN:9781305251052

Author:Michael Cummings

Publisher:Michael Cummings

Chapter19: Population Genetics And Human Evolution

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 2CS: If allele frequencies in the hemoglobin gene are influenced by sickle cell anemia on the one hand...

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BACKGROUND Sickle cell disease is caused by a change in the gene for hemoglobin, which is the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. Individuals who are homozygous for the sickle cell trait often cannot endure exercise. Individuals who are heterozygous for the trait can have sickle cell attacks under extreme conditions. Normal individuals (Hb Hb) have only normal hemoglobin. Homozygous sickle cell individuals (Hb Hb') have only sickle cell hemoglobin. Heterozygous individuals (Hbs Hb) have both normal hemoglobin and sickle cell hemoglobin. Jerry Smith collapsed while running a race for his track team. A doctor said that he had a sickle cell attack. Genetic tests were run on several family members. The test results are shown below. An X indicates that form of hemoglobin in red blood cells. PROBLEM How can you determine the genotypes of people in a family? TABLE 1. FAMILY PHENOTYPES Normal Hemoglobin Subject Jerry Smith Jerry's brother Jerry's younger sister Jerry's youngest sister…
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Sickle-cell disease (often called sickle-cell anemia) is a disease that is caused by a mutation to the gene that is responsible for producing the protein hemoglobin. Remember that hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells which is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. When a person possesses the mutated hemoglobin allele, their red blood cells take on an altered shape and this results in a variety of symptoms ranging from general weakening of the body, damage to the organs and even death. The sickle cell allele is recessive to the healthy allele, thus only individuals that are homozygous for the recessive allele will have sickle-cell disease. Individuals that are homozygous for the healthy allele, along with heterozygous, individuals will be physically healthy. Question: Given that this mutated allele will cause disease and death in individuals, what would you predict to occur to the frequency of this allele in the population? Explain.
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