describe how a genetic mutation of the gene coding for lactase can lead to lactose intolerance.

-A genetic mutation within the lactase gene, for example base substitution, changes a codon -This codon codes for a different amino acid to be transcribed and translated-Therefore the sequence of amino acids(primary structure) in the polypeptide is altered -This causes the polypeptide to fold differently (tertiary structure), therefore changing the shape of the enzyme active site.-The shape of the active site is specific to lactose.-The substrate (lactose) is no longer complementary to the active site, and so no enzyme-substrate complexes are formed, and the lactose cannot be broken down, causing lactose intolerance.

Answered by Jessica M. Biology tutor

2410 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the process of ultrafiltration in the kidney.


Outline the "Sliding Filament Theory" of muscle contraction.


What is natural selection, and how is it related to changes in allele frequency?


Using the Hardy Weinberg principle, calculate the frequency of the heterozygous genotype in the population if the frequency of the dominant allele p is 0.864. Express your answer as a percentage of the population.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences