To determine which parent in the family can taste the bitter flavor of Brussels sprouts, we need to analyze the genotypes of each parent and apply the principle that tasting the bitter flavor is a dominant trait, denoted by the allele "T". The nontaster trait is denoted by "n".
Given:
- Mom's genotype: [tex]\( Tn \)[/tex]
- Dad's genotype: [tex]\( nn \)[/tex]
A dominant trait (T) will mask the recessive trait (n). Therefore:
- If an individual has at least one "T" allele (i.e., either "TT" or "Tn" genotypes), they can taste the bitter flavor.
- If an individual has the "nn" genotype, they cannot taste the bitter flavor.
Given Mom's genotype [tex]\( Tn \)[/tex]:
- Since Mom has the "T" allele, she can taste the bitter flavor of Brussels sprouts.
Given Dad's genotype [tex]\( nn \)[/tex]:
- Dad does not have the "T" allele, only the recessive "n" alleles, so he cannot taste the bitter flavor of Brussels sprouts.
Based on this analysis, the answer is:
- Mom can taste the bitter flavor of Brussels sprouts (because she has the dominant "T" allele).
- Dad cannot taste the bitter flavor of Brussels sprouts (because he has the genotype "nn").
Hence, the correct answer is Mom.
