Updated by: Arabinda Naik
Sex-Influenced Gene:
Sex-influenced genes are typically autosomal genes (not located on the sex chromosomes) that are expressed differently in males and females due to hormonal or environmental factors. In individuals carrying a particular allele of a sex-influenced gene, the gene's expression may be more pronounced or influential in one sex compared to the other. An example of a sex-influenced gene is male pattern baldness, where the baldness trait is influenced by the presence of androgens (male sex hormones). In males, this gene may lead to baldness, while in females, it may not have the same visible effect.
Sex-Limited Gene:
Sex-limited genes are genes that are only expressed in one sex and have no effect on the other sex, regardless of the genotype. These genes are often associated with the development of sex-specific traits or characteristics, and their expression is limited to one sex due to the presence or absence of sex-specific structures or physiological conditions.
Examples of sex-limited genes include genes responsible for the development of female mammary glands or male-specific reproductive structures like the testes.