SSCE VCE Biology Genetic Diversity and Adaptations: Lactase is an enzyme in humans w

Question

Lactase is an enzyme in humans which breaks down lactose, one of the sugars in milk. Milk is a safe and nutritious food which is readily available year-round. Although most adults around the world lose the ability to produce lactase as they mature, more than 90% of Europeans have a lactase-producing allele which remains active into adulthood.

Scientists analysed DNA in bone samples from a number of Neolithic Europeans (dated between 5840 BC and 5000 BC) and found that none of them had the adult lactase allele.

The most likely explanation for this data is that

A. the adult lactase-producing allele which remains active into adulthood arose millions of years ago in ancestors of modern humans.

B. possession of the adult lactase-producing allele which remains active into adulthood confers a significant evolutionary advantage.

C. the adult lactase-producing allele which remains active into adulthood did not arise in Europe.

D. modern Europeans are not descended from the Neolithic Europeans tested.

Lactase is an enzyme in humans which breaks down lactose, one of the sugars in milk - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 17 - 2007 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Lactase is an enzyme in humans which breaks down lactose, one of the sugars in milk - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 17 - 2007 - Paper 1

Possession of the adult lactase-producing allele which remains active into adulthood confers a significant evolutionary advantage.

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