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. Without an sry, an embryo will develop as a female instead of as a male whether it has a y chromosome or not Beyond the binary there are more than just two possible sexes for which the chromosomes can carry instructions
While most people are typical xy males or xx females, many people are intersex. You probably remember this legendary illustration in a biological textbook Sex chromosome (chromosome) is a microscope, female is xx and male is xy. Xx and xy chromosomes are only part of the story Discover how sex chromosomes vary naturally and why biological sex isn't always binary Learn about dsds and intersex variations.
While we’re usually taught that there are two types — xx and xy — many more variations exist.
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