The pedigree presented here shows the incidence of a human disease known as familial hypercholesterolemia in a
Question:
The pedigree presented here shows the incidence of a human disease known as familial hypercholesterolemia in a certain family.
This disorder is characterized by an elevated level of serum cholesterol in the blood. Though relatively rare, this genetic abnormality can be a contributing factor to heart attacks. At the molecular level, this disease is caused by a defective gene that encodes a protein called low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). In the bloodstream, serum cholesterol is bound to a carrier protein known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL binds to LDLR, which enables cells to absorb cholesterol.When LDLR is defective, it becomes more difficult for the cells to absorb cholesterol. This explains why the blood level of cholesterol remains high. Based on the pedigree, what is the most likely pattern of inheritance of this disorder?
Step by Step Answer:
