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Biology/sex-linked recessive traits

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Expert: Walter Hintz - 7/9/2005


Question
sex-linked recessive traits are expressed in all males but not necessarily in all females. Why is this?

Answer
 Hi Brett
The Y chromosome in males does not carry genes so if  a recessive trait occurs on the X chromosome it is expressed since it does not have a dominant gene to counteract it.  In females unless the genotype is homozygous it is not expressed.
 In other words it only takes one gene in the male and two in the female.

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Walter Hintz

Expertise

Science teacher for over 50 years. MSc. in biology. I can answer questions in general biology, zoology, botany, anatomy and physiology and biochemistry.

Experience

I have a MSc in biology and have been a science teacher for over 50 years. At present I am a faculty member at a college and a science consultant at seven catholic schools.

Publications
The Ohio journal of Science
Momentum-The Journal of the Catholic Education Association

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