You are working in a research lab on a genetic condition in humans that results in a patient's inability to digest the common sugar fructose. Your lab has observed that this condition is equally frequent in males and females. In most cases, neither parent of an affected child has symptoms of this disease. The disease is very rare, so you have a limited amount of data for analysis.
a. Describe the most probable pattern of inheritance for this condition. Fully explain your reasoning.
b. Suppose that you can use laboratory mice as a model organism to research this disease. Outline sample genetic cross(es) that could be used to verify your proposed pattern of inheritance. Explain expected results.
c. Explain how mutation could result in the inability of a person to digest fructose.
d. Design a simple molecular genetics experiment or test that could be used to determine whether a mutant allele is present in a given individual. Discuss the expected results for a healthy person vs. an affected person.