Why are sex linked traits more common in males?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the reasons why traits linked to sex chromosomes are more frequently observed in males, which relates to fundamental concepts of genetics and inheritance patterns between sexes.
Answer
Males are more often affected by sex-linked traits because they have only one X chromosome.
The final answer is that sex-linked traits are more common in males because they have only one X chromosome, meaning any recessive gene present on the X chromosome will be expressed as there is no corresponding allele on the Y chromosome.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is that sex-linked traits are more common in males because they have only one X chromosome, meaning any recessive gene present on the X chromosome will be expressed as there is no corresponding allele on the Y chromosome.
More Information
Unlike females, who have two X chromosomes and can potentially mask a recessive gene with a second, normal allele, males cannot mask the presence of a recessive gene on their single X chromosome.
Tips
A common mistake is forgetting that females may be carriers for X-linked traits without expressing the condition themselves.
Sources
- Sex-linked recessive: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia - medlineplus.gov
- X-Linked - National Human Genome Research Institute - genome.gov
- General aspects of X-linked diseases - NCBI - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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