The recessive allele that causes phenylketonuria (PKU)is harmful, except when an infant's diet lacks the amino acid phenylalanine. What maintains the presence of this harmful allele in a population's gene pool?

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Diploidy maintains the presence of harmful recessive alleles in a population's gene pool because individuals with only one copy of the allele (heterozygotes) are still able to survive and reproduce, while homozygous individuals are more likely to have the harmful effects of the allele. Therefore, the harmful allele can persist in the population in a "hidden" form in heterozygotes.

The Recessive Allele That Causes Phenylketonuria (PKU)is Harmful, Except When