Females are less likely to have an X-linked recessive disorder than males because
A) there are fewer girls than boys in the general population.
B) females have two X chromosomes thus the probability is lower.
C) in males, the Y chromosome causes X genes to mutate.
D) X-linked recessive disorders are lethal to female embryos.
E) X chromosomes have protector genes that protect against mutations thus with two Xs, females have twice the protection as males.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Females have two X chromosomes, so even if one has a mutated gene causing an X-linked recessive disorder, the other X chromosome may have a normal gene that can compensate for the mutated one. Males only have one X chromosome, so if that chromosome has a mutated gene causing an X-linked recessive disorder, they will express the disorder.

Females Are Less Likely to Have an X-Linked Recessive Disorder