Final answer:
Hemophilia B, also known as Christmas disease, is caused by a deficiency in factor IX. It is a sex-linked disorder primarily affecting males who inherit a defective X chromosome from their mother.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hemophilia B and Factor IX Deficiency
The type of hemophilia caused by a deficiency in factor IX is known as Hemophilia B. This genetic disorder is one of several that impact the body’s blood clotting process. Hemophilia B accounts for around 20 percent of hemophilia cases. It is a sex-linked disorder associated with the X chromosome. Males, possessing one X and one Y chromosome (XY), are most commonly affected when they inherit the defective X chromosome. Females have two X chromosomes (XX) and must inherit the defective gene from both parents to express the disease. Symptoms of hemophilia include uncontrolled bleeding from minor injuries, and potential internal bleeding into muscles and joints.
Regular infusions of clotting factors from healthy donors are a typical treatment to help prevent bleeding in patients with hemophilia. Looking ahead, genetic therapy may offer new avenues for managing the condition more effectively.