Carriers of Sickle Cell Are Resistant to Malaria, and Carriers

question 32

Multiple Choice

Carriers of sickle cell are resistant to malaria, and carriers of cystic fibrosis are resistant to cholera. Both are the result of single gene mutations. Why is more than a single trait affected?

• A) Genes for one trait can interact with and influence other traits as well.
• B) Sickle cell and cystic fibrosis are caused by the same alleles.
• C) Most genetic diseases are bad but have good characteristics, too.
• D) Sickle cell disease is known to be related to intestinal diseases.
• E) Malaria is also an infectious intestinal disease.

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Definitions:

Spinal Cord

The major bundle of nerves running down the back, encased in the spine, which transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

Resting Potential

The electrical charge across the neuronal membrane when the neuron is not actively transmitting a signal, representing a stable state of readiness for activation.

Positively Charged

Having a greater number of protons than electrons, resulting in an electric charge that is positive.

Sympathetic Components

Parts of the sympathetic nervous system, a branch of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the body's 'fight or flight' response.