sex-linked disorder
A genetic counselor explains a sex-linked disorder using a family tree chart.
Noun: A genetic condition or disease whose inheritance pattern is related to the sex chromosomes (X or Y). These disorders are caused by genes located on these chromosomes. The most common are X-linked disorders, which are often passed from carrier mothers to their sons.
This term is used in medical genetics and biology to classify and describe diseases with a specific mode of genetic inheritance tied to the sex chromosomes. * Hemophilia is a classic example of a sex-linked disorder. * Genetic counselors explain the risks of passing on a sex-linked disorder. * The study focused on the prevalence of sex-linked disorders in the population.
- X-linked disorder: A more specific term for the most common type of sex-linked disorder, where the defective gene is located on the X chromosome. (e.g., "Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an X-linked disorder.")
- X-linked recessive inheritance: Describes the typical pattern for disorders like hemophilia and red-green color blindness, where the gene is recessive and located on the X chromosome.
- X-linked (adj): Referring to a gene or genetic trait located on the X chromosome.
- Y-linked (adj): Referring to a gene or genetic trait located on the Y chromosome (much rarer).
- Genetic disorder (n): A broader category that includes sex-linked disorders.
- Sex-linked genetic disease
- X-linked disease (in most common contexts)
The term almost exclusively refers to disorders caused by genes on the sex chromosomes, not those merely influenced by sex hormones. While the reference context mentions "determined by the sex hormones," this is a less precise definition. The primary medical and genetic definition relates to chromosomal location and inheritance pattern.
A genetic counselor explains a sex-linked disorder using a family tree chart.
- any disease or abnormality that is determined by the sex hormones
- hemophilia is determined by a gene defect on an X chromosome