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Why are males more likely to exhibit X-linked disorders such as Fragile X syndrome?

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Final answer:

Males are more likely to exhibit X-linked disorders such as Fragile X syndrome because they have only one X chromosome and therefore only one copy of any X-linked allele.

Step-by-step explanation:

Males are more likely to exhibit X-linked disorders because they have only one X chromosome, which means they have only one copy of any X-linked allele. Therefore, if they inherit a recessive X-linked allele, they will express the disorder.

Females, on the other hand, have two X chromosomes and need to inherit two copies of the recessive allele to express the disorder. This explains why X-linked disorders are more common in males than females.

An example of an X-linked disorder is Fragile X syndrome, which is caused by a mutation on the X chromosome. Because males have only one X chromosome, if they inherit the mutated allele, they will develop Fragile X syndrome.

Females, on the other hand, need to inherit the mutated allele from both parents to develop the disorder, making it less likely for them to be affected.

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