The transmission of a specific trait occurs through the presence of a single gene on the X chromosome in males. This inheritance pattern is commonly observed in X-linked traits, where the gene is passed from an unaffected carrier female who possesses the gene on one of her X chromosomes. The carrier female does not exhibit symptoms of the trait due to the presence of a functional copy of the gene on her other X chromosome. However, she can pass the gene to her male offspring, who have a single X chromosome. Understanding this mode of inheritance is crucial for comprehending the transmission and expression of X-linked traits in families.