What is the Difference Between Sex-linked and Autosomal?

The main difference between sex-linked and autosomal inheritance lies in the location of the genes involved.

Sex-linked inheritance:

• Occurs via genes located in the sex chromosomes (X and Y chromosomes in humans).
• Most sex-linked traits are controlled by genes on the X chromosome, called X-linked traits.
• More common in males, as they have one X and one Y chromosome, while females have two X chromosomes.
• Examples of X-linked traits include colorblindness and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

Autosomal inheritance:

• Occurs via genes located on the autosomes (non-sex chromosomes).
• Autosomal traits are inherited equally in males and females, as autosomes do not differ between the sexes.
• Examples of autosomal traits include many single-gene disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia.

In summary, sex-linked inheritance is due to the transmission of genes on the sex chromosomes, while autosomal inheritance is due to the transmission of genes on the non-sex chromosomes. Sex-linked inheritance is more common in males, whereas autosomal inheritance affects both sexes equally.

Comparative Table: Sex-linked vs Autosomal

Here is a table comparing the differences between sex-linked and autosomal inheritance:

Sex-linked inheritance occurs via the sex chromosomes (X and Y), while autosomal inheritance occurs through chromosomes other than the sex chromosomes (autosomes). In sex-linked inheritance, traits are usually expressed in males more often than females, as the Y chromosome has fewer genes than the X chromosome. In contrast, autosomal inheritance results in traits affecting both males and females equally. Carrier status is another difference, with females typically being carriers for sex-linked traits and both males and females being potential carriers for autosomal traits.