Glossary of Genetic Terminology
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The normal process in which one X chromosome in each body cell of a female is randomly inactivated. The genes on the inactive X chromosome are 'switched off' or not working. This is also known as lyonisation, and is a form of imprinting. The inactive X chromosome may be seen as a Barr body under the microscope (see Genetics Fact Sheet 14).
X-LINKED GENE:
Any gene which is located on the X chromosome.
X-LINKED RECESSIVE
MUTATION:
A recessive mutation in a gene carried on the X chromosome.
X-LINKED DOMINANT
MUTATION:
A dominant mutation in a gene carried on the X chromosome.