Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder that results in a mental handicap when phenylalanine is present in the diet. It was found that putting children with this genetic defect on a special diet prevented the effects of the disease. This is an example of:
A)correlation between genotype and environment.
B)variable norms of reaction.
C)genotype-by-environment interaction.
D)phenotypic variation due to genetic variation.
E)None of the answer options is correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is caused by a genetic defect, but the effects of the disease can be prevented by putting children on a special diet. This is an example of genotype-by-environment interaction, where the expression of the genotype is affected by the environment. In this case, the environment (diet) interacts with the genotype (genetic defect) to prevent the harmful effects of the disease.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) Is a Metabolic Disorder That Results in a Mental