In human genetics, which inheritance pattern passes a trait from an affected father to all of his sons?

Y-linked inheritance passes a trait from an affected father to all of his sons.

The pattern occurs because the Y chromosome is transmitted from father to son. A father gives his Y chromosome to male children but gives an X chromosome to daughters, so a Y-linked variant cannot pass directly from father to daughter.

Y-linked traits are uncommon because the Y chromosome contains far fewer genes than the X chromosome or the autosomes. Many Y-linked genes are involved in male sex determination, sperm production, or functions specific to the male reproductive system.

This pattern differs from X-linked inheritance, in which fathers do not pass their X chromosome to sons. It also differs from mitochondrial inheritance, which is transmitted through the mother because egg cells contribute most of the embryo’s mitochondria.