Question

A single copy of an allele in sickle-cell heterozygous individuals reduces the frequency and severity of malaria. The reason for this is

• A. Low oxygen binding capacity of hemoglobin
• B. Single amino acid substitution in hemoglobin deforms the red blood cells
• C. Abnormal hemoglobin is toxic for malaria parasite
• D. Malaria parasite escapes the deformed red blood cells

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, B

The question addresses the protective mechanism seen in individuals who are heterozygous for the sickle-cell allele, specifically how it reduces the frequency and severity of malaria. Let's explore the reasoning behind each of the given options:

1. Low oxygen binding capacity of hemoglobin:

   This statement is partly accurate. The sickle-cell allele leads to the production of hemoglobin S (HbS) instead of the normal hemoglobin A (HbA). The altered shape of red blood cells in heterozygous individuals (carriers) allows them to carry less oxygen. However, this does not directly inhibit malaria but contributes to the overall environmental stress within the cell.

2. Single amino acid substitution in hemoglobin deforms the red blood cells:

   In sickle cell anemia, the mutation causes a single amino acid substitution (valine replaces glutamic acid) in the beta chain of hemoglobin, leading to abnormal hemoglobin S (HbS). This causes red blood cells to sickle (deform) under low-oxygen conditions. The deformed cells are less hospitable to the malaria parasite, which predominantly invades the normal-shaped red blood cells.

3. Abnormal hemoglobin is toxic for malaria parasite:

   This is not the primary reason. The toxicity of hemoglobin S alone does not directly account for the reduced malaria severity. Instead, it is the environmental stress within the sickle-cell red blood cells that compromises the survival of the malaria parasite.

4. Malaria parasite escapes the deformed red blood cells:

   This statement does not accurately describe the mechanism. In reality, the parasite finds it difficult to thrive and complete its life cycle in the irregular environment of sickle-cell red blood cells, particularly when they deform.

Based on the explanation, the correct answer involves the following aspects:

• The low oxygen binding capacity of hemoglobin (option 1) contributes to the sickling process in heterozygotes, indirectly affecting the malaria parasite.
• The single amino acid substitution causes deformation of red blood cells (option 2), which limits the ability of the malaria parasite to thrive within these cells.

Therefore, the correct explanations align with these two statements: "Low oxygen binding capacity of hemoglobin" and "Single amino acid substitution in hemoglobin deforms the red blood cells". This unique heterozygosity offers a selective advantage against malaria.