Mind-Blowing Facts About Genetics That Doctors Wish We All Knew

Certain genetic diseases persist in populations because having one copy of the disease-causing version of a gene can offer benefits, known as heterozygote advantage. In such cases, individuals who carry only one copy of the gene may have increased resistance to certain infections or other environmental factors, providing a survival advantage.

However, when two copies of the disease-causing gene are inherited, it can result in the development of the disease, often with severe consequences. Despite the risks associated with having two copies of the gene, the presence of one copy conferring advantages ensures that the gene remains in the population.