During the first few weeks in the lab the main topic of study has been Lactase Persistence and Lactase Non-Persistence. Specifically, we have learned that while most individual of adult age are Lactase Non-Persistent, there are individuals who have a genetic mutation that leaves them with the ability to digest lactose into adulthood. The mutation that causes Lactase Persistence is known as a single nucleotide polymorphism (or SNP). This kind of mutation involves a single letter/base of the genetic code. The area that this mutation can be observed in is the enhancer site of the lactase gene. The origin of the mutation is different for different areas. It is thought that individuals from areas that had large pastoralist populations in the past