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X-linked dominant inheritance

(... linkt DAH-mih-nunt in-HAYR-ih-tunts)
One of the ways a genetic trait or condition caused by a mutated (changed) gene on the X chromosome can be passed down (inherited) from parent to child. In X-linked dominant inheritance, a genetic condition can occur when the child inherits one copy of a mutated (changed) gene on the X chromosome from one parent. Daughters have a 50% chance of inheriting the mutated X-linked gene from their mother and a 100% chance of inheriting the mutated X-linked gene from their father. Sons have a 50% chance of inheriting the mutated X-linked gene from their mother and a 0% chance of inheriting the mutated X-linked gene from their father.
Drawing showing an X-linked dominant inheritance pattern between a father, mother, and their children. The panel on the left shows an affected father (who only has one X chromosome) with a mutated (changed) gene on the X chromosome; an unaffected mother (who has two X chromosomes) with a normal gene on both X chromosomes; an affected daughter (who has two X chromosomes) with a mutated gene on one X chromosome and a normal gene on the other X chromosome; and an unaffected son (who only has one X chromosome) with a normal gene on the X chromosome. The panel on the right shows an unaffected father with a normal gene on the X chromosome; an affected mother with a normal gene on one X chromosome and a mutated gene on the other X chromosome; an unaffected daughter with a normal gene on both X chromosomes; an unaffected son with a normal gene on the X chromosome; an affected daughter with a mutated gene on one X chromosome and a normal gene on the other X chromosome; and an affected son with a mutated gene on the X chromosome.Enlarge this image in new window
X-linked dominant inheritance is a way a genetic trait or condition can be passed down from parent to child through mutations (changes) in a gene on a single X chromosome. In females (who have two X chromosomes), a mutation in a gene on one of the X chromosomes is enough to cause the condition. In males (who only have one X chromosome), a mutation in the copy of the gene on the single X chromosome causes the condition. Fathers cannot pass X-linked dominant conditions to their sons, but all daughters of affected fathers will be affected with the condition and can pass it on to their children.
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