Which of the following is an example of a sex-linked disorder?

Which of the following is an example of a sex-linked disorder?

• A. Cystic Fibrosis
• B. Hemophilia
• C. Sickle Cell Anemia
• D. Tay-Sachs Disease

Answer: (B)

Hemophilia is a classic example of a sex-linked disorder, specifically associated with the X chromosome. This condition typically affects males more severely because they have only one X chromosome. If a male inherits the gene associated with hemophilia on his X chromosome, he will express the disorder, while females, who have two X chromosomes, may be carriers if they inherit one affected X but often do not express the disorder unless both of their X chromosomes carry the hemophilia mutation. In contrast, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Tay-Sachs disease are all autosomal disorders. These conditions are not linked to the sex chromosomes and can affect individuals regardless of their sex chromosome composition. Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene on chromosome 7, sickle cell anemia results from mutations in the HBB gene on chromosome 11, and Tay-Sachs disease is linked to mutations in the HEXA gene on chromosome 15. These disorders can be inherited equally from both parents and do not follow the patterns of inheritance specific to sex-linked traits.

Hemophilia is a classic example of a sex-linked disorder, specifically associated with the X chromosome. This condition typically affects males more severely because they have only one X chromosome. If a male inherits the gene associated with hemophilia on his X chromosome, he will express the disorder, while females, who have two X chromosomes, may be carriers if they inherit one affected X but often do not express the disorder unless both of their X chromosomes carry the hemophilia mutation.

In contrast, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Tay-Sachs disease are all autosomal disorders. These conditions are not linked to the sex chromosomes and can affect individuals regardless of their sex chromosome composition. Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene on chromosome 7, sickle cell anemia results from mutations in the HBB gene on chromosome 11, and Tay-Sachs disease is linked to mutations in the HEXA gene on chromosome 15. These disorders can be inherited equally from both parents and do not follow the patterns of inheritance specific to sex-linked traits.