222 LAB 8 | Modern Human Variation 2. Why might these similarities and differenc

Question

222 LAB 8 | Modern Human Variation 2. Why might these similarities and differences exist? Be sure to consider the evolutionary context (including the nat- ural environment, cultural practices, and interbreeding). EXERCISE 9 VARIATION IN THE ADH1B GENE Work with a small group or alone to complete this exercise. The ADH1B gene is one of the genes that codes for alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) --an enzyme that helps in the digestion of alcohol. A variant of this gene called the ADH1B 47 His allele helps metabolize alcohol faster than other versions of the trait, thus reducing the amount of alcohol that saturates the bloodstream. It also causes a negative side effect, where a person's face flushes red when he or she consumes alcohol. This allele is rarely found in African or European populations, but it is very frequent in East Asian populations, where it is often found in more than 50% of the population and may even be found in almost 100% of people in certain populations. These East Asian populations also have a long history of growing rice and making fermented rice beverages over the past 9,000 years. The map shows the frequency of the ADH18*47His allele in East Asia. Sites where evidence of rice cultivation has been found are superimposed on the map. 1. Based on what you know about the evolutionary forces behind human variations, how would you explain the distri- bution of the ADH1B 47His allele? Why do you think this allele is common in East Asian populations? Do you see a relationship between rice cultivation and allele frequency? Hint: Consider the benefits and drawbacks of consuming alcoholic beverages and how this might factor into the evolution of the ADH18 47His allele 100% - DB828 8 3 8 8 8 Pogo Age of rice cultivation sites • 12,000-8,000 years BP • 8.000-6.000 years BP • 6,000-3,000 years BP

Explanation / Answer

Answer:- ADH1B*47 variant allele of alcohol dehydrogenase is frequently found in East Asian countries.People in these countries were involved in production and consumption of fermented rice beverages from last lore than 9000 yrs it seems that this allele has been selected by natural selection over past as allele provides benefits or favourable trait for the individual or population. Since this gene expresses more effective alcohol dehydrogenase that metabolises alcohol much faster than other variants of gene ADH1B found in eurpean or African countries.Thus consumption of fermented rice beverages favoured the selection of ADH1B *47 in east adian countries.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse 2
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.