A sex chromosome that is present in every normal male body cell. It is paired with an X chromosome and is absent in every female body cell. Each sperm carries either a single X or a single Y chromosome. Unlike the X chromosome, the Y chromosome carries little genetic material. Its major function is to stimulate the development of the testes in the embryo. There are no significant diseases related to abnormalities of the Y chromosome, but hairy ears is a trait thought to be determined by a Y-linked gene.
Y chromosome |
|
|