What can be concluded about the pattern of inheritance of hemophilia?

What can be concluded about the pattern of inheritance of hemophilia?

• A. It affects females more than males.
• B. Males exhibit symptoms while females may be carriers.
• C. It can skip generations.
• D. It always affects siblings equally.

Answer: (B)

The correct conclusion regarding the pattern of inheritance of hemophilia is that males exhibit symptoms while females may be carriers. Hemophilia is primarily an X-linked recessive disorder, which means the gene responsible for this condition is located on the X chromosome. Since males have only one X chromosome (paired with a Y chromosome), if they inherit the affected X, they will express the symptoms of hemophilia. In contrast, females have two X chromosomes, so if they inherit one affected X chromosome, they typically do not show symptoms because their second X chromosome can compensate for the defective gene. However, these females can still pass the affected X chromosome to their offspring, which makes them carriers. This understanding is crucial for genetic counseling, as it highlights how hemophilia tends to appear more frequently in males while females may carry and transmit the gene without showing symptoms themselves. The other options do not correctly represent the inheritance pattern of hemophilia. For instance, while it can be observed that cases may skip generations, this does not encapsulate the specific relationship of symptoms between males and females as clearly as the selected statement does.

The correct conclusion regarding the pattern of inheritance of hemophilia is that males exhibit symptoms while females may be carriers. Hemophilia is primarily an X-linked recessive disorder, which means the gene responsible for this condition is located on the X chromosome. Since males have only one X chromosome (paired with a Y chromosome), if they inherit the affected X, they will express the symptoms of hemophilia. In contrast, females have two X chromosomes, so if they inherit one affected X chromosome, they typically do not show symptoms because their second X chromosome can compensate for the defective gene. However, these females can still pass the affected X chromosome to their offspring, which makes them carriers.

This understanding is crucial for genetic counseling, as it highlights how hemophilia tends to appear more frequently in males while females may carry and transmit the gene without showing symptoms themselves. The other options do not correctly represent the inheritance pattern of hemophilia. For instance, while it can be observed that cases may skip generations, this does not encapsulate the specific relationship of symptoms between males and females as clearly as the selected statement does.