Kjønnsbetinget

Kjønnsbetinget is a Norwegian term that translates to "sex-linked" in English. It describes traits or conditions that are inherited through genes located on the sex chromosomes, specifically the X and Y chromosomes. In humans, females have two X chromosomes (XX) and males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY).

Genes located on the X chromosome are called X-linked genes. Since males have only one X chromosome, they express the trait or condition determined by that gene regardless of whether it is dominant or recessive. Females, with two X chromosomes, can be carriers of a recessive X-linked trait without expressing it if they have one normal copy of the gene. However, if they inherit two copies of the recessive gene, they will express the trait.

Y-linked genes are located on the Y chromosome and are passed directly from father to son. These traits are therefore only expressed in males.

Examples of sex-linked conditions include color blindness and hemophilia, which are typically X-linked recessive disorders more common in males. Genetic disorders like Duchenne muscular dystrophy are also X-linked. Understanding kjønnsbetinget inheritance is crucial in genetics and medical diagnostics for predicting the likelihood of inheriting certain traits or conditions.