## Core Concept
G6PD (Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) deficiency is a genetic disorder that affects the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, which helps protect red blood cells from damage. The inheritance pattern of G6PD deficiency is linked to the X chromosome. This condition is an example of an X-linked recessive disorder.

## Why the Correct Answer is Right
The correct answer, X-linked recessive, is right because G6PD deficiency is caused by mutations in the G6PD gene, which is located on the X chromosome. Males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY), and females have two X chromosomes (XX). In X-linked recessive disorders, males are more frequently affected than females because they have only one X chromosome. If that X chromosome has the mutation, they will express the condition since they do not have another X chromosome to compensate. Females, on the other hand, would need to inherit two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to express the condition, making it less common in females.

## Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect
- **Option A:** This option is incorrect because G6PD deficiency does not follow an autosomal dominant pattern. In autosomal dominant disorders, a single copy of the dominant allele is enough to cause the condition, and it affects both males and females equally.
- **Option B:** This option is incorrect because G6PD deficiency is not an autosomal recessive disorder. While autosomal recessive disorders also require two copies of the mutated gene to express the condition, they do not have the sex-linked bias seen in X-linked disorders.
- **Option D:** This option is incorrect because G6PD deficiency is not a Y-linked trait. Y-linked traits are passed from father to son and are very rare.

## Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact
A key point to remember is that X-linked recessive disorders like G6PD deficiency predominantly affect males. Female carriers can pass the mutated gene to their offspring, and while they are usually asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, they can pass the condition to their sons, who will be affected, or to their daughters, who will typically be carriers like their mother.

## Correct Answer: . X-linked recessive