Type of Document	Thesis
Author	Jefferson, Kellei Latham
URN	etd-04122004-162717
Title	The Possible Selection of the Sickle Cell Trait in Early Homo
Degree	Master of Science
Department	Anthropology, Department of
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Dean Falk Committee Chair Elizabeth Peters Committee Member Glen Doran Committee Member
Keywords	Origin of Malaria Sickle Cell Disease Paleopathology
Date of Defense	2004-03-15
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract The selection of the sickle cell trait occurred prior to the origin of agriculture, and possibly prior to the origin of Homo sapiens. This is shown by examining the evolutionary history of Plasmodium, the genetics of abnormal hemoglobin, and finally the skeletal traits of bone affected by sickle cell disease. Malarial parasites, particularly Plasmodium falciparum, evolved eight to ten million years ago, making it possible for humans to be infected with malaria as early as the time of the split between human and chimpanzee. A single point mutation in DNA transcription led to the circulation of hemoglobin S (HbS)in the gene pool, giving rise to a number of individuals homozygous for the trait. Individuals homozygous for the sickle cell trait (HbSS) exhibit signs of the disease in the skeleton. Traits of sickle cell disease mimic other forms of anemia, making differential diagnosis a primary goal in determining whether or not sickle cell disease is present in the fossil record. A diagnosis of sickle cell disease in the fossil record confirms the hypothesis that the sickle cell trait evolved prior to the origin of agriculture.
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