One I can think of is the gene mutation on the beta globin chain that causes the beta thalassemia trait, which is actually protective against malaria. The evolutionary connection between malaria and hemoglobin variants is fascinating. The downside to the mutation is the fatal thalassemia disease when someone gets two copies of the same gene from their mother and father.
Rational-Strawberry t1_ivflg0v wrote
Reply to We know about viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms evolving to better infect other organisms. Consequently, diseases change too to some extent. Are there any examples of human bodies evolving to fight against these disease causing agents? by ha_ha_ha_ha_hah
One I can think of is the gene mutation on the beta globin chain that causes the beta thalassemia trait, which is actually protective against malaria. The evolutionary connection between malaria and hemoglobin variants is fascinating. The downside to the mutation is the fatal thalassemia disease when someone gets two copies of the same gene from their mother and father.