X-linked recessive inheritance

8.8

A pattern where a gene on the X chromosome causes males to have a trait and females to be carriers

noun
/ɛks lɪŋkt rɪˈsɛsɪv ɪnˈhɛrɪtəns/

Specialized

: herencia recesiva ligada al cromosoma X

Many genetic disorders, such as hemophilia, are inherited through X-linked recessive inheritance.

Examples

In X-linked recessive inheritance, males are more likely to express the trait than females.
A family history may help reveal if a condition follows an X-linked recessive inheritance pattern.
The study focused on X-linked recessive inheritance in genetic disorders.
Can you explain X-linked recessive inheritance to me?
Many genetic disorders, such as hemophilia, are inherited through X-linked recessive inheritance.
In X-linked recessive inheritance, males are more likely to express the trait than females.
A family history may help reveal if a condition follows an X-linked recessive inheritance pattern.

Surface Forms

X-linked recessive inheritance singular

X-linked recessive inheritances plural

Morphology

X-linked + recessive + inheritance

The meaning is fully compositional: 'X-linked' (on the X chromosome) + 'recessive' (a recessive gene effect) + 'inheritance' (transmission across generations) directly describe a hereditary pattern where a recessive gene on the X chromosome is passed on. Although technical, there is no idiomatic shift — a learner who understands the constituent terms (and basic sex-chromosome genetics) can infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

X-linked recessive inheritance describes a simple picture: a faulty gene sits on the X sex chromosome so it is X-linked, and the fault is recessive, meaning it only 'shows' when there is no healthy copy to hide it. Because males have only one X while females have two, the fault more often 'shows' in males and females can 'carry' it without 'showing' it.