4. Sex-Linked Disorder
Chromosomes are structures of DNA. Females have 2 X chromosomes and males have on X and one Y chromosome. Sex-linked disorders are caused by mutations in the genes located on the X chromosomes. Since males only have one copy of each of the genes on the X chromosomes, they are affected if one of the genes is mutated.
Females have two copies of the X chromosomes, which makes them less likely to develop X linked conditions because the normal copy of this chromosome will often mas or cover up the altered version of the mutated gene. Females may still be affected by an x-linked disorder. However, the condition is typically not as severe as when the gene alteration occurs in the male.
Some of the types of muscular dystrophy that are sex-linked disorders include Becker muscular dystrophy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. These conditions are more severe and occur more often in males.