X-linked genes are genes that are located on the X chromosome. In humans, females have two X chromosomes (XX), while males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY). Since males only have one X chromosome, they are more likely to be affected by X-linked genetic disorders.
Colorblindness is a common example of an X-linked disorder. The gene responsible for color vision is located on the X chromosome. If a male inherits a faulty copy of this gene, he will be colorblind because he only has one X chromosome. On the other hand, females have two X chromosomes, so even if one X chromosome carries the faulty gene, the other X chromosome can compensate and provide the normal gene, reducing the chances of being colorblind.
Inheritance of X-linked genes follows a specific pattern. If a father is colorblind, he will pass the faulty gene to all his daughters, but they will typically be carriers and not fully affected. If a mother is a carrier (has one normal and one faulty gene), there is a 50% chance of passing the faulty gene to her sons, who will then be colorblind.
It's important to note that while colorblindness is commonly used as an example, there are many other X-linked disorders that can be inherited in a similar manner.
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Explanation:
X-linked genes are genes that are located on the X chromosome. In humans, females have two X chromosomes (XX), while males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY). Since males only have one X chromosome, they are more likely to be affected by X-linked genetic disorders.
Colorblindness is a common example of an X-linked disorder. The gene responsible for color vision is located on the X chromosome. If a male inherits a faulty copy of this gene, he will be colorblind because he only has one X chromosome. On the other hand, females have two X chromosomes, so even if one X chromosome carries the faulty gene, the other X chromosome can compensate and provide the normal gene, reducing the chances of being colorblind.
Inheritance of X-linked genes follows a specific pattern. If a father is colorblind, he will pass the faulty gene to all his daughters, but they will typically be carriers and not fully affected. If a mother is a carrier (has one normal and one faulty gene), there is a 50% chance of passing the faulty gene to her sons, who will then be colorblind.
It's important to note that while colorblindness is commonly used as an example, there are many other X-linked disorders that can be inherited in a similar manner.