What is the inheritance pattern of G6PD deficiency?

G6PD deficiency is an X-linked recessive disorder, which means that the gene responsible for this condition is located on the X chromosome. Males, having one X and one Y chromosome, are more frequently affected because they have only one copy of the X chromosome. If their single X chromosome carries the mutation, they will express the deficiency. In contrast, females have two X chromosomes, which means that if they inherit one affected X chromosome, they may still have a second normal X chromosome that can produce enough of the G6PD enzyme, making them typically carriers rather than affected.

This X-linked recessive pattern leads to a higher prevalence of the disorder in males compared to females. The pattern also involves that a mother who is a carrier has a 50% chance of passing the affected gene to her sons, who would then exhibit the deficiency, and a 50% chance of passing a normal X chromosome to her daughters, who would potentially be carriers if they receive the affected X from their father. This explains the inheritance dynamics of G6PD deficiency within families.