The ∆32 Allele of CCR5 is Found at the Highest

Question

The ∆32 allele of CCR5 is found at the highest frequency in which of the following populations?
A) Africans
B) Japanese
C) North Americans
D) Europeans
E) South Americans

Accepted Answer

The ∆32 allele of CCR5 is found at the highest frequency in Europeans, with an average frequency of about 10%. This is likely due to the historical selective pressure of the bubonic plague and smallpox in European populations. The allele is less common in other populations, with a much lower frequency in African and South American populations and virtually absent in Japanese populations.