Which of the following individuals has the greatest chance of contracting a sex-linked genetic abnormality?
A) A male with a mother with muscular dystrophy
B) A female with a mother with muscular dystrophy
C) A male with a father with muscular dystrophy
D) A female with a father with muscular dystrophy

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sex-linked genetic abnormalities, such as those affecting the X chromosome, are more likely to manifest in males. This is because males have only one X chromosome (inherited from their mother), so a defective gene on this chromosome will result in the condition. In contrast, females have two X chromosomes, so a defective gene on one of them can often be compensated for by the other, normal X chromosome. Therefore, a male with a mother carrying the gene for a sex-linked disorder like muscular dystrophy has the greatest chance of exhibiting the condition.

Which of the Following Individuals Has the Greatest Chance of Contracting