[Campbell Biology P.552] Which statement accurately describes the characteristics of individ... | Practice Question

Which statement accurately describes the characteristics of individuals with sickle-cell trait heterozygotes compared to those with sickle-cell disease homozygotes with two sickle-cell alleles ?

  • A: Heterozygotes experience severe sickling symptoms and are highly susceptible to malaria.
  • B: Homozygotes are resistant to malaria but suffer from mild sickling.
  • C: Heterozygotes have few harmful effects from sickling and are more likely to survive malaria.
  • D: Both heterozygotes and homozygotes are equally affected by sickle-cell disease and malaria.

Explanation

The text states that 'heterozygotes experience few harmful effects from sickling yet are more likely to survive malaria than are homozygotes.' This is the basis of heterozygote advantage in malaria-prone regions.