X- Linked Inheritance

Mechanism

X-linked inheritance refers to conditions or traits that are caused by changes in genes found on the X chromosome. The X and Y chromosomes determine an individual’s sex; males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome, while females have two X chromosomes. The genes on the X and Y chromosome are different. This means that males have only one copy of each of the genes found on the X chromosome, while females have two copies. Women who carry one copy of an X-linked mutation are called carriers. In most females, having one normal copy of the gene may be sufficient to prevent symptoms altogether. Alternatively, a female may have such mild symptoms that she is never recognized as affected.
Pedigree