Y-linked gene
- noun
- /waɪ lɪŋkt dʒin/
- Specialized
- Inheritance of a Y-linked gene can only occur from father to son.
Examples
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Scientists are studying a Y-linked gene that may influence male fertility.
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The discovery of a new Y-linked gene helped explain a pattern of inheritance in the family.
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The Y-linked gene is responsible for male fertility.
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Many traits are determined by a Y-linked gene.
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The inheritance of a Y-linked gene can only occur from father to son.
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Scientists are studying a Y-linked gene that may influence male fertility.
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The discovery of a Y-linked gene helped explain a pattern of inheritance in the family.
Synonyms
A gene on the Y chromosome passed only from father to son
How Sex-Linked
- Specialized
- Specialized
- Specialized
- Specialized
Surface Forms
Morphology
Y-linked + gene
The phrase is fully compositional: 'Y-linked' literally means 'linked to the Y (chromosome)' and combined with 'gene' yields 'a gene located on the Y chromosome.' This follows a regular modifier + noun pattern and is not idiomatic, so a B1 learner who knows 'Y' as the male chromosome (or the concept of chromosomes), 'linked' (connected) and 'gene' can reliably infer the meaning.
Etymology
The noun Y-linked gene names a gene on the Y chromosome, so it can be passed only 'from father to son'.