Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Genotype
A genotype refers to the genetic constitution of an organism, specifically the alleles present at a given locus. In the context of lactose metabolism, genotypes can determine whether an individual can produce the enzyme lactase, which is necessary for digesting lactose. Understanding the relationship between genotype and phenotype is crucial for predicting enzyme functionality.
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Enzyme Functionality
Enzyme functionality refers to the ability of an enzyme to catalyze a biochemical reaction. In this case, the presence of functional lactase enzymes allows for the breakdown of lactose into glucose and galactose. If the genotype leads to a nonfunctional enzyme or no enzyme production, lactose cannot be digested, resulting in lactose intolerance.
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Environmental Influence on Gene Expression
Environmental factors, such as the presence or absence of lactose, can influence gene expression and enzyme production. In some organisms, the availability of lactose can trigger the expression of the lactase gene, leading to the production of functional enzymes. Understanding this interaction is essential for predicting the outcomes based on the given conditions in the question.
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Penetrance and Expressivity