How can genetic diseases be inherited?

Genetic diseases can indeed be inherited through various modes of inheritance, which include autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and sex-linked patterns.

In the case of autosomal dominant inheritance, only one copy of the mutated gene, which can come from either parent, is sufficient to cause the disorder. This means that if a parent carries the mutation, there is a 50% chance that they will pass it on to each offspring.

Autosomal recessive inheritance requires two copies of the mutated gene for the disease to manifest. Individuals who are carriers, possessing just one copy of the mutation, typically do not show symptoms but can pass the mutated gene to their children. Both parents must be carriers for there to be a possibility of their child being affected.

Sex-linked inheritance usually involves genes located on the X chromosome. Males, having only one X chromosome, are more likely to express recessive disorders linked to the X chromosome, while females, having two X chromosomes, can be carriers without expressing the phenotype if they have one normal allele.

These varied modes of inheritance demonstrate the complexity and diversity of genetic diseases and their transmission across generations, as captured by the correct answer.