Phenylketonuria (PKU)is a metabolism disorder that can result in mental retardation if untreated.This recessive disorder is caused by a defective gene located on chromosome twelve.The most reliable source for the functional gene needed for gene therapy would be a(n)

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Since PKU is a recessive disorder, the only individuals that have the functional gene are those who are homozygous dominant (meaning they have two copies of the functional gene). Therefore, choice C, an individual that is homozygous dominant for the functional gene, would be the most reliable source for the gene therapy. Both choices A and B describe individuals that are carriers for PKU, meaning they have one functional gene and one defective gene, so they would not be reliable sources for the functional gene needed for gene therapy. Choice D describes a general, non-specific individual, so it is not a useful answer.

Phenylketonuria (PKU)is a Metabolism Disorder That Can Result in Mental