Question

Persons suffering from G-6 PD deficiency are resistant of malaria, Explain.

Answer 1

Persons suffering from G-6 PD (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase) deficiency are resistant to malaria because the deficiency alters the red blood cells in a way that makes it difficult for the malaria parasite to survive and multiply. The abnormal red blood cells in G-6 PD deficient individuals lead to oxidative stress, which kills the malaria parasite within the cells. Thus, this genetic mutation provides a selective advantage in malaria-prone regions, increasing resistance to malaria infection.

This phenomenon is an example of natural selection, in which the allele causing G-6 PD deficiency is maintained in populations exposed to malaria because it confers a survival advantage.