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X-linked recessive genetic variants

X-linked recessive genetic variants

Overview

There are several X-linked (or sex-linked) recessive genetic disorders, (hemophilia, muscular dystrophy) which are inherited through a genetic change on an X chromosome. A female has 2 X chromosomes, one she inherited from her mother and one she got from her father. A male has an X chromosome from his mother and a Y chromosome from his father. If a woman has the variant on one of her X chromosomes, and the father's X chromosome is normal, there is a 25% chance for each pregnancy to produce:

  • An unaffected girl
  • A girl who carries the variant
  • An unaffected boy
  • A boy with the disorder

Review Date 10/27/2025

Updated by: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.