D3.2.12—Haemophilia

Haemophilia is an X-linked recessive disorder, so carrier females can have affected sons and affected males pass alleles through daughters.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
D3.2.12
Level
SL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing5%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceMay 2022
Most common paperPaper2
Typical marks1–3

Common command terms

  • Identify
  • Deduce
  • Explain
  • Outline
  • State
  • Predict

Recent exam appearances

May 2022Paper2 ["SL"] · TZ26(b)[ 3 ]D3.2.12—Haemophilia
May 2022Paper2 ["SL"] · TZ14(b)[ 3 ]D3.2.12—Haemophilia
May 2022Paper2 ["SL"] · TZ14(a)[ 1 ]D3.2.12—Haemophilia
May 2014Paper2 ["SL"] · TZ24(c)[ 2 ]D3.2.12—Haemophilia
May 2014Paper2 ["SL"] · TZ24(b)[ 2 ]D3.2.12—Haemophilia
Practice this objective

Coverage 2010–2022 · Updated 16 Jul 2026

Haemophilia Shows X-Linked Recessive Inheritance

Haemophilia alleles on the X chromosome reduce a clotting factor; the recessive pattern makes affected XY individuals more common.

An XY individual has one X allele; an XX individual may have a second functional allele; a carrier mother can pass the allele to sons or daughters. Trace the allele combination through the stated biological mechanism before predicting the result.

Write X-linked genotypes and track which parent supplies each X.; compare the stated alleles and outcome

Carrier mother XH Xh and unaffected father XH Y can have an affected son Xh Y. This gives a concrete prediction from the stated parental information.

Probabilities describe a model, not one guaranteed child. Interpret the result within the stated inheritance model and its sample or environmental limits.

Haemophilia exam focus

Assessment in practice

1–3 marks
How it is assessed

This objective is assessed through structured response, commonly using Identify / Deduce / Explain.

Command terms

Identify / Deduce / Explain / Outline / State / Predict

What earns marks

Build the answer around this relationship: Males express an X-linked recessive allele if it is on their single X chromosome.

Representative question

Question 1

[Maximum number: 8]

Explain how males inherit hemophilia and how females can become carriers for the condition.

Retrieve the Core Inheritance Route

Core D3.2 is secure when the student can move from allele rules into predictions and evidence: gametes form genotypes, genotypes can produce phenotypes, different dominance patterns need different notation, and pedigrees or plots require evidence-based interpretation.

  • haploid gametes carry one allele and fertilization restores a diploid genotype
  • dominance, codominance, incomplete dominance, environment, and plasticity affect the observed trait
  • PKU, ABO, sex determination, and haemophilia use different inheritance rules and notation
  • pedigrees infer inheritance patterns and box plots summarize continuous variation

Solve Core Inheritance Questions

Core inheritance exam questions reward disciplined reasoning. First identify the inheritance rule, then write the correct notation or evidence, then state the phenotype, ratio, or conclusion. This prevents the common mistake of writing definitions without solving the genetic problem.

  • Use allele and genotype notation correctly for monohybrid, ABO, PKU, haemophilia, and sex-determination contexts.
  • Connect genotype, dominance pattern, environment, or plasticity to phenotype.
  • Use pedigree or box-plot evidence to justify an inheritance or variation conclusion.

Concept essentials

  • Males express an X-linked recessive allele if it is on their single X chromosome.
  • Heterozygous females are usually carriers for haemophilia.
  • Affected fathers pass their X chromosome to daughters, not sons.