What describes characteristics that are passed on through genes located on sex chromosomes?

The term that describes characteristics passed on through genes located on sex chromosomes is "sex-linked." This concept is vital in genetics, as it pertains to traits that are associated with either the X or Y chromosome, which are responsible for determining an individual's sex.

Sex-linked traits often show different patterns of inheritance between males and females due to the differences in their sex chromosomes (XX for females and XY for males). For example, if a gene causing a particular condition is located on the X chromosome, males who have only one X chromosome will express the trait if they inherit the affected X chromosome, whereas females, having two X chromosomes, might need to inherit two copies of the affected gene to express the trait. This understanding is crucial for studying genetic disorders linked to sex chromosomes, such as color blindness or hemophilia.

The other terms refer to different genetic concepts: autosomal traits are those found on non-sex chromosomes, polygenic traits are influenced by multiple genes, and codominant traits occur when both alleles contribute equally to the phenotype. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the broader topics within genetics.