Linkage, Sex Determination And Sex Linked Character

Which of the following statements about sex linked traits is not correct?

Answer Details

The statement "males are never carriers since they only receive one sex chromosome" is not correct when talking about sex-linked traits. Sex-linked traits are genetic traits that are carried on the sex chromosomes, specifically the X and Y chromosomes. In humans, females have two X chromosomes (XX) while males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY). Since sex-linked traits are located on the X chromosome, they can be inherited differently between males and females. Females can be carriers of sex-linked traits because they have two X chromosomes. If a female inherits a defective allele for a sex-linked trait from one parent but a normal allele from the other parent, she can be heterozygous for the trait. In this case, she carries the defective allele but does not express the trait herself. However, she can pass it on to her offspring, both male and female. On the other hand, males have only one X chromosome. If a male inherits a defective allele for a sex-linked trait on his X chromosome, he will express that trait since he does not have another copy of the X chromosome to mask the effects of the defective allele. Therefore, males are more likely to exhibit sex-linked traits compared to females. In summary, the statement that males are never carriers since they only receive one sex chromosome is incorrect. Females can be carriers of sex-linked traits, while males are more likely to express the trait if they inherit a defective allele on their single X chromosome.

Which of the following statements is true regarding sex-linked traits?

Answer Details

Sex-linked traits are located on the sex chromosomes.

Many traits are determined by our genes, which are located on our chromosomes. In humans, we have 23 pairs of chromosomes, with one pair being the sex chromosomes. Females have two X chromosomes (XX), while males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY). The genes located on the sex chromosomes are called sex-linked genes. These sex-linked genes can carry traits, such as color blindness or hemophilia, that are more commonly observed in one gender over the other. For example, color blindness is more commonly observed in males because the gene for color vision is located on the X chromosome.

Since males only have one X chromosome, if they inherit a color blindness gene, they will display the trait. Females, on the other hand, have two X chromosomes, so if they inherit one normal X chromosome, they may not show the trait even if they carry the color blindness gene on their other X chromosome. It is not true that sex-linked traits are inherited solely from the mother. In reality, sex-linked traits can be inherited from either the mother or the father.

This is because both parents can pass on their sex chromosomes to their offspring. However, the frequency of inheritance may be different due to the nature of the sex chromosomes. For example, if the father carries a sex-linked trait on his X chromosome, all of his daughters will inherit that trait since they receive his X chromosome. However, his sons will not inherit the trait because they receive his Y chromosome instead.

It is not true that sex-linked traits are more commonly observed in females. The opposite is actually true. Since males only have one X chromosome, they are more likely to display the effects of a sex-linked trait if they inherit the gene. Females, on the other hand, have two X chromosomes, so they may not show the trait if they carry one normal X chromosome.

This means that sex-linked traits are more commonly observed in males. It is not true that sex-linked traits are not influenced by hormonal factors. In fact, hormonal factors can have an impact on the expression of sex-linked traits. Hormones can affect gene expression and overall development, which can influence the presentation of sex-linked traits.

For example, hormonal imbalances can affect the severity or appearance of certain sex-linked conditions. Therefore, hormonal factors can play a role in the expression and manifestation of sex-linked traits.