X-linked genes have different patterns of expression in females and males because

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

X-linked genes are on the X chromosome, which females have two of and males have only one. This means that males only have one copy of X-linked genes, which affects their pattern of expression. Females can be carriers of X-linked traits because they have two X chromosomes, and the presence of one dominant allele can mask the expression of a recessive allele on the other X chromosome. However, males do not have this second copy to mask the expression of the X-linked gene.

X-Linked Genes Have Different Patterns of Expression in Females and Males