How might a scientist determine whether a trait is sesx linked by observing the offspring of several genetic crosses?

Question

Kirsten Escobar

Biology

2 April, 20:08

How might a scientist determine whether a trait is sesx linked by observing the offspring of several genetic crosses?

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Answers (1)

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Spotty · Answer 1

By checking the proportion of those affected by the trait in relation to gender within the population of the offspring

Explanation:

If a trait is sex linked, such trait will be found more in the male sex compared to the female sex within the population.

The male has XY chromosome and as such only needs a copy of the affected allele in order to be affected for the trait. A female has XX chromosome and as such needs two copies of the affected alleles in order to be affected for the trait.

Hence, the proportion of affected male always outweigh the proportion of affected female in a population as far as sex-linked trait is concerned.

Consequently, a scientist might be able to determine whether a trait is sex-linked by observing the proportion of male to female affected by the trait within the offspring's population.