Definition of X-linked dominant inheritance

X-linked dominant inheritance (... linkt DAH-mih-nunt in-HAYR-ih-tunts): X-linked dominant inheritance refers to genetic conditions associated with mutations in genes on the X chromosome. A single copy of the mutation is enough to cause the disease in both males (who have one X chromosome) and females (who have two X chromosomes). In some conditions, the absence of a functional gene results in the death of affected males.