What type of inheritance pattern is associated with Fragile X syndrome?

Fragile X syndrome is indeed associated with an X-linked dominant inheritance pattern. This means that the gene responsible for the condition is located on the X chromosome, and only one copy of the mutated gene is sufficient to cause the disorder in both males and females.

In females, who have two X chromosomes, having one affected chromosome can lead to milder symptoms, while males, possessing only one X chromosome, tend to have more pronounced features of the syndrome. This pattern of inheritance explains why the symptoms can vary in severity between sexes, as males are more severely affected than females.

Additionally, because the trait is dominantly expressed, individuals with one mutated copy of the gene will display characteristics of Fragile X syndrome. This is distinct from X-linked recessive conditions, where typically only males are affected and female carriers may not show symptoms. Thus, understanding the inheritance pattern associated with Fragile X syndrome is crucial for genetic counseling and risk assessment in families.