Chapter 4, Problem 13P

Total cholesterol in blood is reported as the number of milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per $\text{100}$ milliliters (mL) of blood. The normal range is $\text{180–220}$ mg/ $\text{100}$ mL. A gene mutation altering the function of cell-surface cholesterol receptors restricts the ability of cells to collect cholesterol from blood and draw it into cells. This defect results in elevated blood cholesterol levels. Individuals who are heterozygous for a mutant allele and a wild-type allele have levels of $\text{300–600mg/}$ $\text{100}$ mL, and those who are homozygous for the mutation have levels of $\text{800–1000mg/}$ $\text{100mL}$. Identify the genetic term that best describes the inheritance of this form of elevated cholesterol level, and justify your choice.