Dictionary > Sex-linked disorder

Sex-linked disorder

Definition
noun, plural: sex-linked disorders
A genetic disorder caused by or linked to gene(s) located in the sex chromosome.
Supplement
In humans, the sex chromosomes are the X chromosome and Y chromosome. A female individual possesses two X chromosomes whereas a male has X chromosome and Y chromosome. Since the X chromosome carries more genes that are not found in the Y chromosome, the X chromosome is more commonly linked to genetic mutations and disorders. Usually, the X-linked traits and disorders are expressed more in males than in females because the males have only one copy of the X chromosome.
A typical example of this is the genetic disorder, hemophilia, caused by a defect in a gene located in the X chromosome.
See also: sex-linked gene


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