Final answer:
Someone not inheriting the LAC gene from their parents would likely have a A) higher risk of developing lactose intolerance, which is the inability to digest lactose due to a deficiency of the enzyme lactase.
Step-by-step explanation:
If someone did not inherit the LAC gene from their parents, the result would likely be A) They will have a higher risk of developing lactose intolerance. This is because the LAC gene is responsible for enabling the production of the enzyme lactase, which is necessary for the digestion of lactose, the sugar found in milk. Without adequate levels of lactase, an individual will have difficulty breaking down lactose, leading to symptoms associated with lactose intolerance, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhoea. Lactose intolerance is relatively common in the adult population, particularly among certain ethnic groups such as Asians, who often develop lactase deficiency later in life. Infants with an inborn deficiency of lactase demonstrate intolerance to lactose through symptoms like diarrhoea and vomiting and may necessitate lactose-free milk formulas. In populations where lactose tolerance persists into adulthood, such as many Europeans, this ability is typically due to genetic mutations that maintain lactase production.