SEX CHROMOSOMES

branch GENETICS

Sex Chromosomes


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The sex of an individual is determined by two sex chromosomes.

Males have an X and a Y chromosome (XY).

Females have two X chromosomes (XX).


Sex determination


When a female (XX) produces gametes, the egg always contains an X chromosome. Males (XY) produce sperm cells with either an X or a Y chromosome. The sex of an individual is determined by which sperm fertilises the egg. If a sperm cell carrying a Y chromosome fertilises the egg, the child will be male (XY). If a sperm cell carrying an X chromosome fertilises the egg, the child will be female (XX).


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Note the other chromosomes have not been shown here for simplicity