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Multiple Choice
Which of the following characteristics is typically associated with sex-linked inheritance rather than autosomal inheritance?
A
Traits that appear equally in both males and females
B
Traits that are more common in one sex, often males
C
Traits that are influenced by environmental factors
D
Traits that skip generations
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the difference between sex-linked and autosomal inheritance. Sex-linked inheritance involves genes located on the sex chromosomes (X and Y), while autosomal inheritance involves genes on the non-sex chromosomes (autosomes).
Recognize that sex-linked traits are often associated with the X chromosome because it carries more genes than the Y chromosome. This can lead to traits being more common in one sex, typically males, because they have only one X chromosome.
Consider how sex-linked traits manifest. In males, a single recessive allele on the X chromosome can express the trait because there is no corresponding allele on the Y chromosome to mask it. In females, two copies of the recessive allele are needed for the trait to be expressed.
Identify that traits appearing more frequently in one sex, often males, is a hallmark of sex-linked inheritance. This is because males are hemizygous for the X chromosome, meaning they have only one copy.
Contrast this with autosomal traits, which typically appear equally in both sexes because both males and females have two copies of each autosome, allowing for dominant and recessive interactions to occur similarly in both sexes.