What is a defining feature of X-linked dominant traits?

A defining feature of X-linked dominant traits is that affected fathers will pass the trait to all of their daughters. This occurs because daughters inherit one X chromosome from their father and one from their mother. In the case of an affected father, the X chromosome he passes on carries the dominant trait, which means that all of his daughters will express that trait, regardless of the mother’s genotype.

This aspect of inheritance highlights that X-linked dominant traits have a distinct pattern of transmission that is different from other inheritance patterns, such as autosomal traits or X-linked recessive traits. In contrast to X-linked recessive conditions, where males are typically more affected due to having only one X chromosome, X-linked dominant traits manifest similarly in both genders, but all daughters of an affected male will exhibit the trait.