sex chromosomes
Gender-determining genetic material
Sex chromosomes are the pair of chromosomes that determine biological sex in most animals and some plants.
In mammals, females typically have two X chromosomes (XX) while males have one X and one Y (XY).
Other species use different systems—birds reverse the pattern, with males having matched chromosomes.
Sex chromosomes carry genes beyond sex determination, which is why certain traits are sex-linked: Color blindness is carried on the X chromosome.
Equalizing sex chromosome expression
- fragile X syndromeGenetic cause of cognitive impairment
- hemophiliaGenetic clotting impairment
- color blindnessInability to perceive hues
- carrierOne that transports
Organized chromosome display
- meiosisGamete-producing cell division
- gametesReproductive cells for fusion
- haploidSingle chromosome complement
- homologousHaving shared evolutionary origin
recombination · inheritance · genotype · phenotype · allele · locus · chromosomal · cytogenetics
Guidance on inherited conditions
- amniocentesisPrenatal diagnostic fluid extraction
- prenatal testingMedical evaluation during pregnancy
- mosaicismMixed genetic makeup
- infertilityInability to reproduce
hypogonadism · short stature · chromosomal abnormality · FISH · microarray
Formation of sex-specific traits
- SRY geneMammalian male-determination gene
- patrilineageAncestry traced through males
- paternal lineageAncestry through fathers
dosage compensation
Equalizing sex chromosome expression
- fragile X syndromeGenetic cause of cognitive impairment
- hemophiliaGenetic clotting impairment
- color blindnessInability to perceive hues
karyotype
Organized chromosome display
- meiosisGamete-producing cell division
- gametesReproductive cells for fusion
- haploidSingle chromosome complement
homologous · recombination · inheritance · genotype · phenotype · allele · locus · chromosomal · cytogenetics · centromere
genetic counseling
Guidance on inherited conditions
- amniocentesisPrenatal diagnostic fluid extraction
- prenatal testingMedical evaluation during pregnancy
- mosaicismMixed genetic makeup
infertility · hypogonadism · short stature · chromosomal abnormality · FISH · microarray
sexual differentiation
Formation of sex-specific traits
XY
- SRY geneMammalian male-determination gene
- patrilineageAncestry traced through males
- paternal lineageAncestry through fathers
- X-linked geneticshemophilia, color blindness, colorblindness, red-green blindness, DMD
- reproductionreproduction, birth, baby, egg, sperm
- geneticsDNA, allele, genotype, genes, gene
- sex biologybiological sex, XY, sex determination, sexual differentiation, male
- Cytogeneticskaryotyping, karyotype, autosomes, G-banding, FISH
- sex geneticssex determination, SRY gene, dosage compensation