What type of traits are encoded on the X chromosome?

• A. Mitochondrial traits
• B. Autosomal traits
• C. Sex-linked traits
• D. Y-linked traits

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that chromosomes are structures within cells that contain DNA, which encodes genetic information. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, including one pair of sex chromosomes: X and Y.
2. Recognize that traits encoded on the X chromosome are referred to as sex-linked traits. These traits are associated with genes located on the X chromosome.
3. Differentiate between sex-linked traits and other types of genetic traits. Autosomal traits are encoded on non-sex chromosomes (autosomes), while mitochondrial traits are encoded in the mitochondrial DNA, and Y-linked traits are encoded on the Y chromosome.
4. Consider examples of sex-linked traits, such as color blindness and hemophilia, which are more commonly expressed in males due to the presence of only one X chromosome.
5. Review the inheritance patterns of sex-linked traits, noting that males inherit their X chromosome from their mother and their Y chromosome from their father, while females inherit an X chromosome from each parent.