Genetic Variations That May Increase Your Resistance to Malaria

 

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2013, Volume 34

Ann Yezerski

Abstract

Most biology students are informed of the classic relationship between sickle cell anemia and resistance to malaria, an infection by a parasitic protist. However, most students are unaware of other genes that can confer resistance. This exercise explores how the minor alleles of four genes, IL-3, Duffy, PKLR, and G6PD have been shown to contribute to malaria resistance. Students genotype the class (anonymously) using PCR coupled with differential restriction enzyme digest followed by statistical analysis that compares local versus worldwide frequencies of the alleles (based on Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium) and a discussion on the biochemical and physiologic basis for genetic resistance.

Keywords:  Hardy-Weinberg, SNP Genotypes, Plasmodium, IL-3, PKLR, Duffy, G6PD

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (2012)