Download Evolutionary biology is important in health science

Evolutionary biology is
important in health science
Ch. 14.5
Natural Selection and Sickle Cell
Disease


Sickle cell disease affects those who have
inherited the recessive allele for BOTH
parents
If a person is HETEROZYGOUS, they do
NOT have the disease


In Africa, it’s HELPFUL to have the sickle
cell gene!
Resistance to malaria (mosquito borne
illness)
Evolution of Antibiotic
Resistance in Bacteria


ANTIBIOTICS  drugs that help kill or
slow the growth of bacteria
However, when it’s overused, people
become immune to them (similar to
pesticides)

Examples of this?


TB, flu, MRSA, etc
Keeps public health officials busy
Concept Check


Under what conditions is the sickle cell
allele beneficial to a heterozygous
individual?
Identify a possible risk of overuse of
antibiotics.