INFOGRAPHIC 12.2 X-LINKED TRAITS ARE INHERITED ON X CHROMOSOMES
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an example of an X-linked trait. Recessive mutations of the dystrophin gene on the X chromosome cause the disease. DMD primarily affects males because they inherit only one copy of the X chromosome (from their mothers). Therefore, the single DMD allele they inherit determines their phenotype. Since females have two X chromosomes, they may carry the DMD allele but have a healthy phenotype.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an example of an X-linked trait. Recessive mutations of the dystrophin gene on the X chromosome cause the disease. DMD primarily affects males because they inherit only one copy of the X chromosome (from their mothers). Therefore, the single DMD allele they inherit determines their phenotype. Since females have two X chromosomes, they may carry the DMD allele but have a healthy phenotype.
