On Tuesday we will discuss the concept of balancing selection.For some traits, negative selection is balanced by positive selection, depending on how the gene is inherited and on the environment. Sickle Cell trait provides a useful example.

Sickle Cell trait is an extremely common blood polymorphism.

What explains sickle cell’s high frequency in sub-saharan Africa?

Reading 1) Williams Red Cell Polymorphisms

Reading 2) Two Lessons from the Interface of Genetics and Medicine. Allison A. Genetics 166: 1591–1599 (April 2004) (Read page 1-5)

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Joe Alcock

Emergency Physician, Educator, Researcher, interested in the microbiome, evolution, and medicine