Question

Which of the following is a likely explanation that a male could survive an X-linked dominant, male lethal disorder?

A He could have a mutation reversion
B He could have a compensating mutation
C He could be 47, XXY
D There is recombination between the X and Y chromosome
E Any of the above is likely

Answer 1

A male may survive an X-linked dominant, male lethal disorder due to mutation reversion, a compensating mutation, having 47, XXY, or recombination between the X and Y chromosomes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Which of the following is a likely explanation that a male could survive an X-linked dominant, male lethal disorder? The correct answer is E: Any of the above is likely.

• Mutation reversion: A mutation in the allele could revert back to its original state, rendering the allele non-lethal.
• Compensating mutation: Another mutation could occur that compensates for the defective allele, mitigating its lethal effects.
• Individual with 47, XXY: Being 47, XXY, also known as Klinefelter syndrome, implies the presence of an extra X chromosome, which could potentially counterbalance the effects of the lethal allele on the single X chromosome.
• Recombination between the X and Y chromosome could potentially separate the lethal allele from critical regions necessary for its lethal manifestation.

Each of these mechanisms provides a potential explanation for how a male could survive an X-linked dominant disorder that is typically lethal to males.