What is x-linked recessive inheritance?  Describe the characteristics of this inheritance pattern.  Give an example of a disorder in this category.

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What is x-linked recessive inheritance?  Describe the characteristics of this inheritance pattern.  Give an example of a disorder in this category.

X-linked recessive inheritance is a genetic inheritance pattern in which a specific gene responsible for a trait or disorder is located on the X chromosome. Since males have only one X chromosome (XY), while females have two (XX), this pattern of inheritance predominantly affects males. To express an X-linked recessive disorder, a male needs to inherit a single copy of the mutated gene, as they have no corresponding gene on the Y chromosome to mask the effects. Females typically need to inherit two copies of the mutated gene, one from each parent, to express the disorder, making them carriers if they inherit just one copy.

Characteristics of X-linked recessive inheritance pattern:

1. **Primarily Affects Males:** X-linked recessive disorders are more commonly seen in males because they have only one X chromosome. If they inherit an X-linked recessive mutation, they will express the disorder.

2. **Carrier Females:** Females with one copy of the mutated gene are usually carriers and do not express the disorder. However, they can pass the mutated gene on to their offspring.

3. **Skips Generations:** X-linked recessive disorders can appear to skip generations in families. A female carrier can pass the mutation to her son, who will express the disorder, but it may not manifest in her daughters, who would be carriers like their mother.

4. **Father-to-Son Transmission:** Unlike X-linked dominant disorders, X-linked recessive disorders can be passed from father to son. A male with an X-linked recessive disorder will pass his Y chromosome to his sons, and the disorder will not be inherited. However, all daughters will be carriers.

Example of a disorder in this category: **Hemophilia A**

Hemophilia A is a classic example of an X-linked recessive disorder. It is a bleeding disorder caused by a mutation in the F8 gene located on the X chromosome. Males with one copy of the mutated gene on their X chromosome will have hemophilia A because they lack a second X chromosome with a normal gene to compensate. On the other hand, females need to inherit two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to express the disorder; otherwise, they will be carriers. This disorder is characterized by prolonged bleeding and impaired blood clotting and can result in severe health complications if not managed properly.