What characterizes hemophilia?

Hemophilia is primarily characterized by excessive bleeding from minor injuries. This condition arises from a deficiency in specific clotting factors in the blood, which leads to an inability to form blood clots effectively. Individuals with hemophilia may experience prolonged bleeding after cuts or injuries and may also suffer spontaneous bleeding episodes, particularly into muscles and joints.

The disorder is linked to the body's impaired ability to manage hemorrhagic episodes, hence individuals can face significant challenges with both minor and major wounds. Proper management and treatment typically involve factor replacement therapies to help control bleeding episodes and prevent complications.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of hemophilia. The inheritance patterns of hemophilia are related to genes on the X chromosome, and it predominantly affects males, not exclusively females. Furthermore, hemophilia can affect individuals regardless of blood type, and it is not confined to those with blood type O.