A woman has an X-linked condition on one of her X chromosomes . This chromosome can be inherited by (A) Both sons and daughters (B) Only grandchildren (C) Only sons (D) Only daughters

Options

A. Both sons and daughters
B. Only grandchildren
C. Only sons
D. Only daughters

Answer

To solve the question about the inheritance of an X-linked condition from a woman to her offspring, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand X-linked Inheritance**:
- X-linked conditions are caused by mutations in genes located on the X chromosome. Since females have two X chromosomes (XX) and males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY), the inheritance pattern differs between sons and daughters.

2. **Identify the Woman's Genotype**:
- The woman in the question has one X chromosome with the condition (let's denote it as Xn) and one normal X chromosome (denote it as X). Therefore, her genotype can be represented as XnX.

3. **Determine the Father's Genotype**:
- The father is normal and has a normal X chromosome and a Y chromosome. His genotype is XY.

4. **Gamete Formation**:
- The woman can produce two types of gametes: Xn (carrying the condition) and X (normal).
- The father can produce two types of gametes as well: X (normal) and Y.

5. **Possible Offspring Combinations**:
- When we cross the gametes from the mother and father, the possible combinations of offspring are:
- Xn (from mother) + X (from father) = Daughter (carrier, XnX)
- Xn (from mother) + Y (from father) = Son (affected, XnY)
- X (from mother) + X (from father) = Daughter (normal, XX)
- X (from mother) + Y (from father) = Son (normal, XY)

6. **Conclusion**:
- From the combinations, we see that both sons and daughters can inherit the X-linked condition. Sons can inherit the affected X chromosome (XnY) and daughters can inherit it as a carrier (XnX) or be normal (XX).

7. **Final Answer**:
- Therefore, the correct answer to the question is (A) Both sons and daughters.