Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: EmmaHildyard on 02/08/2019 13:30:52

Title: G6PD deficiency and African descent
Post by: EmmaHildyard on 02/08/2019 13:30:52

Paul has asked...

I've just been reading about Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency being an inherited condition and that it usually occurs in males and is more common in those of African and Mediterranean descent.

If we all originated in Africa what do they mean African descent?

Can you help?

Title: Re: G6PD deficiency and African descent
Post by: evan_au on 02/08/2019 20:08:49

Africa is the most genetically-diverse continent, so "African" is not very specific.
- Even "North African" is not very specific...

This genetic deficiency is thought to provide partial protection against malaria.

See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucose-6-phosphate_dehydrogenase_deficiency#Epidemiology