Explain why genetic disorders caused by abnormal numbers of chromosomes most often involve the X chromosome.

Question

anonymous · Answer

Normal males inherit an X and a Y chromosome while females have two X's.  A single Y chromosome is sufficient to produce maleness while its absence is necessary for femaleness.  Female abnormalities are due to variations in the number of X chromosomes.  Male abnormalities are the result of irregular numbers of either the X or the Y chromosome or both.  Soon the Y chromosome will most likely disappear, because a person can live with out a Y chromosome (meaning they are a woman) but you can NOT live with out an X, because both male and females need them.