sex-linkage

[ seks-ling-kij ]

noun

, Genetics.

1. an association between genes in sex chromosomes such that the characteristics determined by these genes appear more frequently in one sex than in the other.

sex linkage

noun

1. genetics the condition in which a particular gene is located on a sex chromosome, esp on the X-chromosome, so that the character controlled by the gene is associated with either of the sexes

sex linkage

1. The condition in which a gene responsible for a trait is located on a sex chromosome, resulting in sexually dependent inheritance of the trait.

Derived Forms

• ˈsexˌlinked, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sex-linkage¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

In flycatchers, mating patterns also suggest sex-linkage of male plumage traits and species recognition, traits that may evolve under the influence of divergent selection.

From Nature

Fortunately, however, such sex-linkage also occurs in lower animals and we are able therefore to verify and extend our observations by direct experiments in breeding.

From Project Gutenberg

It is not surprising that the average cattleman should never have heard of sex-linkage, crossing over, multiple allelomorphism, or know that inheritance is a complex mechanism controlled by genes, invisible unit carriers of hereditary characters.

From Time Magazine Archive