Final answer:
X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (X-SCID) is caused by a mutation in the gene encoding for a subunit of the IL-2 receptor, leading to defective immune system responses. A is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (X-SCID) is due to a mutation in the gene coding for a subunit of the IL-2 receptor.
X-SCID is a genetic disorder that impairs the function of certain white blood cells essential to the immune system, specifically affecting both the B cell and T cell arms of the adaptive immune response.
This condition is most often caused by an X-linked recessive mutation, which severely affects T-cell dependent antibody responses and cell-mediated immune responses, making individuals with X-SCID highly susceptible to a range of opportunistic infections.