Which gender is more commonly affected by hemophilia?

Which gender is more commonly affected by hemophilia?

• A. Males
• B. Females
• C. Both genders equally
• D. Neither gender

Answer: (A)

Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the ability of blood to clot, leading to excessive bleeding. The condition is linked to mutations in genes responsible for producing clotting factors. Hemophilia A and B are the two most common types, and both are X-linked recessive disorders. Since males have only one X chromosome, if they inherit a defective gene on that chromosome, they will express the disease. In contrast, females have two X chromosomes and would need to inherit two copies of the defective gene (one on each X chromosome) to exhibit symptoms of hemophilia. This genetic difference explains why hemophilia is much more prevalent in males than in females. Thus, the correct answer reflects the significantly higher incidence of hemophilia in males due to the X-linked nature of the disorder.

Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the ability of blood to clot, leading to excessive bleeding. The condition is linked to mutations in genes responsible for producing clotting factors. Hemophilia A and B are the two most common types, and both are X-linked recessive disorders.

Since males have only one X chromosome, if they inherit a defective gene on that chromosome, they will express the disease. In contrast, females have two X chromosomes and would need to inherit two copies of the defective gene (one on each X chromosome) to exhibit symptoms of hemophilia. This genetic difference explains why hemophilia is much more prevalent in males than in females.

Thus, the correct answer reflects the significantly higher incidence of hemophilia in males due to the X-linked nature of the disorder.