Question

if a person lives in central africa, what is the best beta-globin genetic makeup to have?

• heterozygous for the sickle beta-globin gene
• it does not matter.
• normal, healthy genome
• homozygous for the sickle beta-globin gene

Explanation:

In central Africa, malaria is prevalent. People heterozygous for the sickle - beta globin gene (sickle cell trait) have some protection against malaria. Those with a normal genome are more susceptible to malaria, and those homozygous for the sickle - beta globin gene have sickle cell anemia (a serious disorder). So, heterozygous is the best genetic makeup in this context.

Answer:

heterozygous for the sickle beta - globin gene