Explaining Sex Linkage

And Recombination
Module 11
Lesson Objectives:

 Illustrate the transmission of an X-linked and a Y-linked

character.
 Compute the probability of the occurrence of a sex linked
trait
 Sex-linked Inheritance

Some traits are located on the sex

chromosomes, so the inheritance of
these traits depends on the sex of
the parent carrying the trait
Sex linked traits are controlled by
genes located on the sex
chromosomes
 SEX DETERMINATION
 The sex of an individual is determined by
the sex chromosomes contributed to the
zygote by the sperm and the egg
 An egg can donate an X
 A sperm can donate an X or Y
 Therefore the sperm determines the sex
of a child
 SEX LINKED

 Most known sex-linked

traits are X-linked
(carried on the X
chromosome). This is
probably because the X
chromosome is much
larger than the Y
chromosome.
EXAMPLES OF SEX-LINKED TRAITS and DISORDERS

 Male pattern baldness, red-green color blindness (people with

deuteranomaly and protanomaly), myopia, night blindness, hemophilia
Who is usually affected by Sex-Linked Disorders?

 MEN! Genes for certain traits are on the X

chromosome only…
 Since Men only have one X chromosome then
they are more likely to have the disorder
 Women are somewhat protected since they
have two X chromosomes and are less likely to
inherit receive disorders.
 If women receive a recessive gene on one X
chromosome, they are called “carriers” because
they “carry” the gene but don’t express the
disorder
COLOR BLINDNESS
 Affected males never pass the disease to their sons
 Men give their “Y” to their sons!
 Affected males pass the defective X chromosome to all of
their daughters, who are described as carriers
 This means they carry the disease-causing allele but generally
show no symptoms
 Female carriers pass the defective X chromosome to…
 half their sons (affected by the disease)
 half their daughters (who are carriers)
 The other children inherit the normal copy of the chromosome
Sample Problem
TRY THIS...