How does the mutation that results in lactose tolerance affect people? decreases the likelihood of bacterial infections increases the likelihood of bacterial infections prevents the breaking down of sugars in milk helps break down sugars in milk

Biology · Middle School · Wed Jan 13 2021

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Correct answer is prevents the breaking down of sugars in milk .

It's caused by an inherited genetic fault that means affected babies produce very little or no lactase. The genetic mutation responsible for congenital lactase deficiency is passed on in an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. This means both parents must have a copy of the faulty gene to pass on the condition.

The LCT gene provides instructions for making the lactase enzyme. Mutations that cause congenital lactase deficiency are believed to interfere with the function of lactase, causing affected infants to have a severely impaired ability to digest lactose in breast milk or formula .