Table of contents
- 1. Introduction to Genetics51m
- 2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
- 3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
- 4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
- 5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
- 6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
- 7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
- 8. DNA Replication1h 10m
- 9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
- 10. Transcription1h 0m
- 11. Translation58m
- 12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
- 13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
- 14. Genetic Control of Development44m
- 15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
- 16. Transposable Elements47m
- 17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
- 18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- 19. Cancer Genetics29m
- 20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
- 21. Population Genetics50m
- 22. Evolutionary Genetics29m
2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance
Sex-Linked Genes
Problem 1d
Textbook Question
The discussion centers on extensions and modifications of Mendelian principles and ratios. In the process, we encountered many opportunities to consider how this information was acquired. On the basis of these discussions, what answers would you propose to the following fundamental questions?
For genes whose expression seems to be tied to the sex of individuals, how do we know whether a gene is X-linked in contrast to exhibiting sex-limited or sex-influenced inheritance?

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Understand the definitions of X-linked, sex-limited, and sex-influenced inheritance. X-linked inheritance refers to genes located on the X chromosome, while sex-limited inheritance involves traits expressed in only one sex despite both sexes carrying the gene. Sex-influenced inheritance refers to traits where expression is influenced by the sex of the individual due to hormonal or other factors.
Examine the inheritance pattern across generations. For X-linked traits, males (XY) are more likely to express the trait if they inherit the affected X chromosome, as they lack a second X chromosome to mask the effect. Females (XX) may express the trait only if they inherit two affected X chromosomes (recessive) or one affected X chromosome (dominant).
Analyze whether the trait is expressed exclusively in one sex. If the trait is only observed in one sex, regardless of the genotype, it is likely sex-limited inheritance. For example, traits related to male or female reproductive structures are often sex-limited.
Determine if the trait is expressed differently in males and females despite the same genotype. If the trait is expressed more strongly or differently in one sex due to hormonal or physiological differences, it is likely sex-influenced inheritance. For example, male-pattern baldness is more common in males due to the influence of testosterone.
Perform genetic crosses and pedigree analysis to confirm the mode of inheritance. For X-linked traits, observe if the trait skips generations (common in X-linked recessive traits) or if affected fathers pass the trait to all daughters but not sons (X-linked dominant). For sex-limited and sex-influenced traits, focus on the expression patterns in males versus females and their correlation with genotype.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
X-linked Inheritance
X-linked inheritance refers to genes located on the X chromosome. In this mode of inheritance, males (XY) are more likely to express recessive traits because they have only one X chromosome, while females (XX) can be carriers if they possess one normal and one mutated allele. Understanding X-linked inheritance is crucial for identifying traits that are passed through the maternal line and can affect the likelihood of certain genetic disorders.
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X-Inactivation
Sex-limited Inheritance
Sex-limited inheritance describes traits that are expressed in only one sex, despite both sexes carrying the genes for those traits. This phenomenon often occurs due to hormonal differences between males and females, which can activate or suppress the expression of certain genes. An example is the development of male-specific traits, such as the presence of antlers in some species, which are not expressed in females.
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Sex-Linked Genes
Sex-influenced Inheritance
Sex-influenced inheritance involves traits that are expressed differently in males and females, depending on the sex of the individual. Unlike sex-limited traits, both sexes can express the trait, but the phenotype may vary; for instance, a trait may be dominant in one sex and recessive in the other. This concept highlights the role of sex hormones in modulating gene expression and can help distinguish between similar traits influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
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Sex-Linked Genes
Related Videos
Related Practice
Multiple Choice
Females who have one abnormal copy of a mutated gene on the X chromosome are known as:
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