Why Does Sickle Cell Trait Persist in the Population?
The persistence of sickle cell trait in certain populations can be explained by a phenomenon known as heterozygote advantage. Individuals with sickle cell trait have a selective advantage in regions where malaria is endemic. The presence of the HbS gene provides some protection against malaria, a deadly disease caused by Plasmodium parasites. This protective effect has led to the increased frequency of the sickle cell gene in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and parts of India.
