Final answer:
Hemophilia is a genetic disorder marked by insufficient clotting factors, leading to difficulty in controlling bleeding. Hemophilia A is due to factor VIII deficiency, hemophilia B is due to factor IX deficiency, and hemophilia C involves factor XI deficiency. Hemophilia A and B are X-linked, while Hemophilia C is autosomal.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hemophilia refers to a group of hereditary genetic disorders that impair the body's ability to control blood clotting, which is essential for stopping bleeding. There are different types of hemophilia, with the most common being hemophilia A and hemophilia B. Hemophilia A, representing about 80% of cases, is caused by a deficiency of clotting factor VIII. Hemophilia B, accounting for roughly 20% of cases, is the result of a deficiency in factor IX. Both types are sex-linked disorders, usually inherited from a carrier mother to a male offspring. This is because they are related to mutations in the X chromosome. Hemophilia C is a less common form caused by a deficiency in factor XI, and it can be inherited in an autosomal (not sex-linked) fashion. All forms of hemophilia can lead to significant medical concerns, as patients may experience uncontrollable bleeding from minor injuries and issues with bleeding into muscles and joints.