2 Information about dairy products, lactose, and lactase are listed in the

Question

table shown.
Dairy Products and Lactose and Lactase in Humans
Dairy Products
Source of protein and minerals
Contain lactose
Lactose and Lactase in Humans
An enzyme, lactase, breaks lactose
down in the body.
Some people do not produce
enough lactase.
Too little lactase causes abdominal
pain when dairy is eaten.
A gene controls lactase production.
Based on this information, which hypothesis best predicts how a change
to the gene could affect people who do not produce enough lactase?
M. A change that causes the gene to increase the amount of lactase it produces
will increase a person's ability to break down lactose.
P. A change that causes the gene to decrease the amount of lactase it produces
will positively affect a person's body.
R. A change that causes the gene to increase the amount of lactase it produces
will allow a person to consume large amounts of minerals.
S. A change that causes the gene to decrease the amount of lactase it produces
will allow a person to digest more protein.

Answer 1

The best hypothesis that predicts how a change to the gene could affect people who do not produce enough lactase is:

M. A change that causes the gene to increase the amount of lactase it produces will increase a person's ability to break down lactose.

This hypothesis directly addresses the relationship between lactase production and the ability to digest lactose, which is consistent with the information provided about lactase and lactose in humans. Increasing lactase production would help individuals who struggle to process lactose in dairy products, thereby alleviating symptoms associated with lactose intolerance.