Sex-Linked Inheritance
Definition:
Sex-linked inheritance refers to the inheritance of traits that are controlled by genes located on the
sex chromosomes (X and Y chromosomes).
In humans and most animals, the sex of an individual is determined by a pair of sex chromosomes:
- XX = Female
- XY = Male
Genes present on the X or Y chromosome, but not on the other, are said to be sex-linked.
Types of Sex-Linked Inheritance:
1. X-linked Inheritance
2. Y-linked Inheritance (Holandric inheritance)
1. X-linked Inheritance:
- Traits controlled by genes located on the X chromosome.
- Since males have only one X chromosome (XY), a single defective gene on it can cause disease.
- Females (XX) have two X chromosomes, so a defective gene on one X may be compensated by
the normal gene on the other.
Examples of X-linked Recessive Traits:
- Hemophilia
- Color blindness
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy
a) Hemophilia (Bleeder's disease):
- A blood disorder in which blood does not clot properly.
- Caused by a recessive gene on the X chromosome.
- More common in males.
Inheritance Pattern:
If a carrier female (XHXh) marries a normal male (XHY):
- 50% sons: affected (XhY)
- 50% daughters: carriers (XHXh)
b) Color Blindness:
- A disorder in which individuals cannot differentiate certain colors (especially red and green).
- Caused by a recessive gene on the X chromosome.
- Common in males.
Example Cross:
Carrier female (XNXc) × Normal male (XNY):
- 25% colorblind sons
- 25% carrier daughters
2. Y-linked Inheritance (Holandric inheritance):
- Traits controlled by genes on the Y chromosome.
- Only males are affected and the trait is passed from father to son.
Examples:
- Hypertrichosis (excessive hair on pinna)
- Hairy ears
Characteristics of Sex-Linked Inheritance:
- More common in males (especially X-linked recessive traits)
- Female carriers can pass traits to sons
- Traits may skip generations
- Y-linked traits are only seen in males and directly inherited from father to son
Conclusion:
Sex-linked inheritance is an important aspect of genetics where certain traits are inherited through
the sex chromosomes. Understanding this helps in predicting and diagnosing hereditary disorders
such as hemophilia and color blindness.
