X-linked recessive traits are more common in

X-linked recessive traits are more common in

• A. Females
• B. Males
• C. Children
• D. Older adults

Answer: (B)

X-linked recessive traits are more common in males. Males have only one X chromosome, so a single recessive allele on that X will be expressed because there isn’t a second X with a normal copy to mask it. Females have two X chromosomes, so a recessive allele on one X is usually masked by a normal allele on the other X unless they inherit two copies. This is why many well-known X-linked recessive conditions, like hemophilia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and red-green color vision deficiency, appear more frequently in men. When a carrier mother passes the gene, about half of her sons can be affected, illustrating the male-prevalent pattern.

X-linked recessive traits are more common in males. Males have only one X chromosome, so a single recessive allele on that X will be expressed because there isn’t a second X with a normal copy to mask it. Females have two X chromosomes, so a recessive allele on one X is usually masked by a normal allele on the other X unless they inherit two copies. This is why many well-known X-linked recessive conditions, like hemophilia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and red-green color vision deficiency, appear more frequently in men. When a carrier mother passes the gene, about half of her sons can be affected, illustrating the male-prevalent pattern.