Question

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a recessive inherited disease caused by a mutation in the PAH gene. PKU causes a high amount of the essential amino acid phenylalanine to build up in the body, which can cause neurological and other problems.What is most likely true about the PAH gene? A. It codes for a functioning protein in individuals with PKU. B. It codes for a protein needed to break down phenylalanine. C. It codes for a non-functioning protein in individuals without PKU. D. It codes for the production of the amino acid phenylalanine.

Answer 1

Given the information about PKU and the PAH, we can evaluate the options:

A is false because it says the protein is functional in individuals with the disease.

B is more likely to be true because when the protein produced by PAH isn't functional, the phenylalanine builds up.

C is false because it says the protein isn't functional in healthy individuals.

D is false because phenylalanine is an essential amino acid, which means the body can't produce it.