Learn about the xx and xy chromosomes, the sex determination system, and other chromosome combinations. Sex chromosome, either of a pair of chromosomes that determine whether an individual is male or female The sex chromosomes of human beings and other mammals are designated by scientists as x and y In humans the sex chromosomes consist of one pair of the total of 23 pairs of chromosomes. Learn how the x and y chromosomes carry instructions that decide our biological sex Find out how the sry gene on the y chromosome and the x chromosome differences affect male and female development.
You probably remember this legendary illustration in a biological textbook Sex chromosome (chromosome) is a microscope, female is xx and male is xy. The xx and xy chromosomes determine biological sex in humans and several other species Males have one x chromosome and one smaller y chromosome, which mostly contains genes for male development. Xx and xy chromosomes are only part of the story Discover how sex chromosomes vary naturally and why biological sex isn't always binary