Answer to Question #64538 in Biology for Sherisse Bouchard

Question

It has been found that some people have inherited resistance to the human immunodeficiency virus, because the gene that codes for the CCR5 receptor undergoes a mutation (lack of 32 nucleotides). This mutation of CCR5 produces a shorter receptor, which prevents the virus from binding to macrophages. In one study, individuals homozygous for the mutant allele resisted infection despite the fact that they were repeatedly exposed to the immunodeficiency virus. In individuals tested with a copy of the mutant allele, AIDS occurred two to three years later than in those without a copy of the mutant allele. The mutant allele is the most common in Caucasian individuals. Calculates the percentage of the American white population that would be heterozygous for the mutant allele CCR5? Show your work and formulas.