Why are males more likely to have X-linked inherited disorders?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Males only have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome, while females have two X chromosomes. If the X chromosome contains a recessive gene for a disorder, a male has no second X chromosome with a dominant gene to mask the expression of the disorder. Females are less likely to have X-linked inherited disorders because the healthy X chromosome can mask the expression of the recessive gene on the other X chromosome. Thus, males are more likely to be affected by X-linked inherited disorders. Option B is incorrect because the immaturity of boys at birth has no relation to X-linked inherited disorders. Option C is also incorrect because androgen is merely a hormone and cannot cause inherited disorders to occur. Similarly, option D is incorrect because the Y chromosome carries very few genes, and its absence or malfunction is unlikely to cause inherited disorders.

Why Are Males More Likely to Have X-Linked Inherited Disorders