Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes a sex-limited trait?
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2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance
Sex-Linked Genes
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Which statement is true of a sex-linked recessive gene?
A
The gene is located exclusively on the Y chromosome.
B
Both males and females must inherit two copies of the gene to express the trait.
C
Males are more likely to express the trait because they have only one X chromosome.
D
Females always express the trait if they inherit one copy of the gene.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that a sex-linked recessive gene is typically located on the X chromosome, not the Y chromosome, so it is not exclusive to the Y chromosome.
Recall that males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY), while females have two X chromosomes (XX).
Recognize that because males have only one X chromosome, a single recessive allele on that X chromosome will result in expression of the trait, since there is no second X chromosome to mask it.
Understand that females must inherit two copies of the recessive allele (one on each X chromosome) to express the trait, because one normal allele can mask the recessive one.
Conclude that males are more likely to express a sex-linked recessive trait because they only need one copy of the recessive allele, whereas females need two.
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