Medical genetics: pedigree analysis: practice question

A Anatomy question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Anatomy · Medical genetics: pedigree analysis

Sample item

In a pedigree, an affected father has an affected son. Which mode of inheritance is excluded by this finding?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. X-linked inheritance of either type

A father gives his Y chromosome to his sons and his X chromosome to his daughters, so male-to-male transmission excludes X-linked inheritance, dominant or recessive. Autosomal and Y-linked conditions can be transmitted from father to son.

Option by option

  • A. Autosomal dominant inheritance

    Autosomal dominant traits can pass from father to son.

  • B. X-linked inheritance of either type (correct)

    Correct. A son does not receive his father's X chromosome.

  • C. Autosomal recessive inheritance

    Autosomal recessive traits can appear in a son if the mother is a carrier.

  • D. Y-linked inheritance

    Y-linked traits pass from father to son by definition.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Anatomy question

What is the answer to this Anatomy question?

The best answer is B, X-linked inheritance of either type. A father gives his Y chromosome to his sons and his X chromosome to his daughters, so male-to-male transmission excludes X-linked inheritance, dominant or recessive.

Why is "Autosomal dominant inheritance" not the answer?

Autosomal dominant traits can pass from father to son.

Why is "Autosomal recessive inheritance" not the answer?

Autosomal recessive traits can appear in a son if the mother is a carrier.

Why is "Y-linked inheritance" not the answer?

Y-linked traits pass from father to son by definition.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Medical genetics: pedigree analysis in Anatomy. Autosomal and Y-linked conditions can be transmitted from father to son.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Medical genetics: pedigree analysis?

Learn every nerve by its route, its muscles and what a lesion looks like at the bedside. That one habit answers a large share of questions. Then use the flashcards and the other Anatomy questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.