(Q001) Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDdeficiency) is an inherited disorder where either the body has lessof the G6PD enzyme than normal or the available G6PD is notfunctioning correctly. This deficiency affects red blood cellfunction and may result in anemia (the destruction of red bloodcells) when people with the condition have infections, are takingcertain medications, or eat certain foods. People with G6PDdeficiency may have some protection from malaria because theirabnormal red blood cells interfere with the reproduction of themalaria parasite in their bodies.
Consider the prevalence of G6PD deficiency estimated by the WorldHealth Organization (WHO) as shown in the map on p. 247 of your labmanual. Compare the distribution of G6PD deficiency with thedistributions of the sickle-cell trait and malaria shown in Figure8.9 on p. 238 of your lab manual. What similarities between thesedistributions do you notice? What differences do you notice?
(Q002) Why might these similarities and differences exist? Besure to consider the evolutionary context (including the naturalenvironment, cultural practices, and interbreeding).
