Question

Sex-linked genetic disorders are more prevalent in females because they have only one X chromosome and therefore, do not have a normally functioning X chromosome to counter disorders carried on the X chromosome.

Answer 1

Sex-linked genetic disorders are more common in males because they have one X chromosome. Females can be carriers of an X-linked recessive disorder without showing symptoms, but for them to be affected, they must inherit two recessive alleles.

Step-by-step explanation:

Human Sex-linked Disorders

Contrary to the initial claim, sex-linked genetic disorders are actually more prevalent in males because they have only one X chromosome. For females to exhibit an X-linked recessive disorder, they must inherit two copies of the recessive allele, one from each parent. Males, however, will express the disorder with just one copy of the recessive allele on their X chromosome, as they do not have a second X chromosome to potentially counteract the effects with a normal allele.

Examples of X-linked recessive disorders include red-green color blindness, hemophilia, and some forms of muscular dystrophy. Females who have only one copy of the recessive allele are carriers and often do not show symptoms; however, they have a 50% chance of passing on the carrier status to their daughters. Moreover, if a carrier female has a son, the son has a 50% chance of being affected by the disorder.