Some individuals have a mutated recessive allele and a homozygous individual is resistant to HIV infection and AIDS. Some populations have a high frequency of the mutant allele. What inference can be made about the mutant allele?

Question

anonymous · Answer

I Finished the test but don't know what answer it is.

Heterozygous individuals must be genetically advantaged even if they are not resistant to HIV. This is the incorrect answer I got.

The mutated allele must have developed and been acquired by many people before exposure to the virus.

 The mutated allele must not be inherited by offspring or the disease would be close to eradication.

 Being homozygous is an advantage for the mutated allele, while being heterozygous is a genetic disadvantage.

anonymous · Answer

Right now I think it is the second choice but not sure

anonymous · Answer

Maybe those with the mutant allele (heterozyous) are more vulnerable to the diseases, but the people with the mutant allele(homozygous) are resistant to the diseases. This would explain why there's a high frequency of the mutant allele. So I'm agreeing with your last statement. (just offerin my thoughts, I took biology two years ago, so I'm out of touch)

anonymous · Answer

yes and thanks I just wanted to double check