Sex-Linked Traits
Definition
Sex-linked traits are characteristics determined by genes located on the sex chromosomes. They are often seen in males because they have only one X chromosome and therefore express all of the traits it carries, even if they are recessive.
Analogy
Think of sex-linked traits like a game of tag. If you're "it" (or male), you can't escape expressing these traits because you've only got one X chromosome to tag. But if you're not "it" (or female), you have two X chromosomes, so even if one is tagged with a trait, the other might not be and can "save" you from expressing it.
Related terms
X-Linked Inheritance: This refers to the pattern of inheritance for genes located on the X chromosome.
Y-Linked Inheritance: This refers to the pattern of inheritance for genes located on the Y chromosome.
Hemizygous: The condition where there is only one allele present instead of two; this typically occurs in males for genes on the X-chromosome.
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