Genes on the X chromosome show different patterns in males and females, as with red-green colour blindness.
X-linked recessive traits (haemophilia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, colour blindness) appear more in males, who have a single X (hemizygous). An affected father passes the allele to all daughters (carriers) but no sons; carrier mothers pass it to half their sons.
Pedigrees show no male-to-male transmission.
Genes on the X chromosome show different patterns in males and females, as with red-green colour blindness.
Sex-Linked Inheritance is one of the 54 topics in Genetics. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Pedigree Analysis, Sex Chromosomes, Inherited Disorders.
Queen Victoria's descendants spread haemophilia in European royal families.
Work through the Beginner topics in Genetics first, such as Heredity, Gene, Allele, then return to Sex-Linked Inheritance. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
The closest topics to Sex-Linked Inheritance are Pedigree Analysis, Sex Chromosomes, Inherited Disorders, Heredity. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Sex-Linked Inheritance. To practise the whole of Genetics, use the Genetics quiz.
Sex-Linked Inheritance: Genes on the X chromosome show different patterns in males and females, as with red-green colour blindness. Pedigree Analysis: Family trees that trace a trait across generations to infer dominant, recessive or sex-linked inheritance. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Pedigree Analysis and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Genetics quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Family trees that trace a trait across generations to infer dominant, recessive or sex-linked inheritance.
🧬 GeneticsX and Y chromosomes determine biological sex in humans; XX is typically female and XY male.
🧬 GeneticsConditions caused by faulty genes passed through families, such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease.
🧬 GeneticsThe passing of traits from parents to offspring through genetic material.
🧬 Genetics