Q. Sickle cell anaemia has not been eliminated from the African population because :
(a) It is controlled by recessive genes
(b) It is not a fatal disease
(c) It provides immunity against Malaria
(d) It is not a fatal disease
Solution :
Correct option : C (i) Sickle cell anaemia is a blood disorder inherited from parents in which the Red blood cells become rigid and sickle-shaped which may lead to different health issues such as anaemia, swelling in the hands and feet, bacterial infections and stroke. (ii)It is an autosomal disorder linked to the recessive alleles. (iii)It has not been eliminated from the African population because it provides immunity against malaria. (iv)Falciparum malaria is the most prevalent malaria in the African continent which is responsible for deaths in this region. (v)People with sickle cell anaemia are less vulnerable to falciparum malaria. So, the correct answer is ‘It provides immunity against malaria’.