Question

what will happen to the frequency of the recessive allele for the hbs gene when there is an outbreak of malaria?
the frequency will increase.
the frequency will decrease.
the frequency will remain constant.
it is impossible to predict how the allele frequency will change.
the frequency will be cut in half with each generation.

Explanation:

Individuals with sickle cell trait (heterozygous for the HbS gene) have some resistance to malaria. During a malaria outbreak, they are more likely to survive and reproduce compared to those without the trait. This leads to an increase in the frequency of the HbS allele (recessive allele) in the population.

Answer:

A. The frequency will increase.