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sex chromosome
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Sex Chromosome
Chromosome that differs between the sexes and serves to determine the sex of the individual. In humans, whether a person is male or female is determined by the combination of the two sex chromosomes in the body cells. In females both chromosomes are the same – two X chromosomes (XX). In males the two chromosomes are different – one X chromosome and one Y chromosome (XY). The Y chromosome is shorter than the X. Genes on these chromosomes determine sex.
As a result of meiosis gametes from a female each contain one X chromosome. However, gametes from a male are of two kinds. Half of the gametes contain an X chromosome and half contain a Y chromosome. If an X-carrying gamete from a male fertilizes a female gamete the result will be a female. If a Y-carrying gamete from a male fertilizes a female gamete, the result will be a male.
© Research Machines plc 2008. All rights reserved. Helicon Publishing is a division of Research Machines plc.
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