A pair of chromosomes that determines an individual’s sex. All human cells (except egg or sperm cells) contain a pair of sex chromosomes, together with 22 other pairs of chromosomes called autosomes. In women, there are 2 similar sex chromosomes called X chromosomes. Men have 1 X and 1 Y chromosome. The genes on the Y chromosome are concerned solely with sex determination; their presence ensures a male, their absence a female. The X chromosome carries genes vital to general development and functioning.
Sex chromosomes |
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