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Why are X-linked recessive disorders more commonly observed in men than in women?

User Jemma
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Final answer:

X-linked recessive disorders are more prevalent in men because they have only one X chromosome and any recessive allele on it will be expressed, while women have two X chromosomes and must inherit two copies of the recessive allele to express the disorder.

Step-by-step explanation:

X-linked recessive disorders are more commonly observed in men because men have only one X chromosome. A single recessive allele on this chromosome will cause the disorder to be expressed. Examples of such disorders include red-green color blindness, hemophilia, and certain forms of muscular dystrophy. Women, having two X chromosomes, must inherit two copies of a recessive allele to express the disorder. Typically, if a woman has one recessive and one dominant allele, she will be a 'carrier' of the disorder, and could pass the recessive allele to her offspring without showing any symptoms herself. This difference in chromosome composition explains why men are more likely than women to express X-linked recessive disorders.

User Tlayton
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