sex-linked

See sex linkage.

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sex-linked adj

1) located in a sex chromosome <a \sex-linked gene>

2) mediated by a sex-linked gene <a \sex-linked character>

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adj.

describing genes (or the characteristics controlled by them) that are carried on the sex chromosomes, usually the X chromosome. The genes for certain disorders, such as haemophilia, are carried on the X chromosome; these genes and disorders are described as X-linked. Since these sex-linked genes are recessive, men are more likely to have the diseases since they have only one X chromosome; women can carry the genes but their harmful effects are usually masked by the dominant (normal) alleles on their second X chromosome.

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(seksґlinkt) 1. carried on one of the sex chromosomes, as a gene; see under gene. 2. by extension, sexually determined, as an inherited trait determined by such a gene; see under trait.