Question

Describe one example of cellular (either cells within a multicellular organism or unicellular organisms) where population genetics involved in survival of the cell type through at least one mechanism.

Answer 1

Population genetics is the study in which genetic variation among the population is taken into account over a period of time and space. Here, I will explain the variation in the red blood cells within an organism. Let me take an example of Sickle cell anemia cells, It is an inherited disease where one copy of the beta-globin chain is inherited from each of the parents. It is an autosomal recessive disease.

These patients will have sickle-shaped red blood cells sue to which they have anemia, low oxygen content, fatigue, etc. Various studies have depicted that, sickle cell anemia patients all over the world showed differences in their characteristics of red blood cells among themselves when compared to their wildtype. Various distinct haplotypes of the disease have been discovered in different nations with a high occurrence of disease.

.The best part is this gene which can cause this severe disease is being selected in a few places all over the world. Researchers have found that this gene prevails in the population of Africa where they are also hard hit by malaria. The HbS carriers are naturally being selected in the population because it gives resistance to malaria. This is a survival mechanism opted by the RBCs of the inhabitants of Africa.