What is the inheritance pattern associated with hemophilia?

Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the ability of blood to clot, leading to excessive bleeding. The inheritance pattern of hemophilia is classified as sex-linked recessive, particularly associated with the X chromosome. This means that the gene responsible for hemophilia is located on the X chromosome.

In this inheritance pattern, males are more frequently affected than females. Since males have one X and one Y chromosome, a single copy of the hemophilia gene on their X chromosome will result in the disease. Women, on the other hand, have two X chromosomes, so they would need to inherit two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to exhibit the disorder. If a woman has one affected X chromosome, she typically becomes a carrier and may show mild symptoms but usually does not have the severe form of hemophilia.

Understanding this pattern is crucial in genetics, as it influences how the disorder is passed down through generations and informs family planning and genetic counseling for those affected.