x-linked recessive conditions result from gene variants that are present on the X chromosome in this case the father has an x-linked recessive condition as indicated by the altered gene on his X chromosome the mother has two copies of the usual form of this gene on her X chromosomes a parent passes on one or other of each pair of their chromosomes to each child which one they pass on is down to chance there are therefore four possible combinations of sex chromosomes that the children of this couple could inherit the first two possibilities show a child who has inherited the father's X chromosome and therefore will be a girl as the fathers X chromosome has the altered gene for the condition all his daughters will be carriers for the condition and they could pass on the altered gene to their children if the father passes on his Y chromosome the child will be a boy as a boy inherits the Y and not the X chromosome from his father he will not inherit his father's x-linked condition nor pass it on to his children