Hurler syndrome is due to a mutation in a gene that encodes a protein called a-L-iduronidase. This

Question:

Hurler syndrome is due to a mutation in a gene that encodes a protein called a-L-iduronidase. This protein functions within the lysosome as an enzyme that breaks down mucopolysaccharides (a type of polysaccharide that has many acidic groups attached). When this enzyme is defective, excessive amounts of the mucopolysaccharides dermatan sulfate and heparin sulfate accumulate within the lysosomes, especially in liver cells and connective tissue cells. This leads to symptoms such as an enlarged liver and spleen, bone abnormalities, corneal clouding, heart problems, and severe neurological problems. The pedigree shown here contains three members affected with Hurler syndrome, indicated with black symbols. Based on this pedigree, does this syndrome appear to be an autosomal recessive, autosomal dominant, X-linked recessive, or X-linked dominant trait? Explain your reasoning.