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A Study on genetic selection and haemoglobin heterozygotes: HB A/E and β-thalassaemia trait

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2008

K. K. Bhattacharya ,
J. M. Sarkar ,
N. K. Das  and
A. K. Ghosh
K. K. Bhattacharya
Affiliation:
Anthropological Survey of India, Indian Museum, Calcutta, India
J. M. Sarkar
Affiliation:
Anthropological Survey of India, Indian Museum, Calcutta, India
N. K. Das
Affiliation:
Anthropological Survey of India, Indian Museum, Calcutta, India
A. K. Ghosh
Affiliation:
Anthropological Survey of India, Indian Museum, Calcutta, India
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Summary

In this paper the genetic fitness of the two heterozygotes Hb A/E and β-thalassaemia trait, in Calcutta, is examined in terms of their reproductive performance. It is found from fertility that the heterozygote Hb A/E enjoys some selective advantage over the normal homozygote Hb A/A, but the other heterozygote (β-thalassaemia trait) does not. But from overall reproductive performance (fertility and infant mortality together) it is postulated that the heterozygotes will eventually suffer from a selective disadvantage in a place like Calcutta, where malaria was eradicated about three decades ago.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Biosocial Science , Volume 14 , Issue 4 , October 1982 , pp. 391 - 396
Copyright
Copyright © 1982, Cambridge University Press

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