Slide show: How genetic disorders are inherited

In an X-linked recessive inheritance pattern, the abnormal (mutated) gene is on the X chromosome. Duchenne muscular dystrophy, some types of colorblindness and hemophilia A are examples of X-linked recessive disorders.

A man with an X-linked recessive disorder will pass his unaffected Y chromosome to his sons, and none will be affected. He will pass his X chromosome (with the abnormal gene) to his daughters, and all will be carriers of the disease. His daughters may have no symptoms or only mild features of the disorder, and they may pass the abnormal gene to their children.