Learn about the xx and xy chromosomes, the sex determination system, and other chromosome combinations. In this system, the sex of an individual usually is determined by a pair of sex chromosomes Typically, females have two of the same kind of sex chromosome (xx), and are called the homogametic sex. In human biology, the typical understanding of sex determination is that biological men have xy chromosomes, while biological women have xx chromosomes However, the genetics of sex determination is far more complex than this binary distinction suggests While most biological men do indeed have xy chromosomes, there are rare cases where individuals who appear male—exhibiting typical male.
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. The extraordinary complexity of sex determination a host of factors figure into whether someone is female, male or somewhere in between Xx and xy chromosomes are only part of the story Discover how sex chromosomes vary naturally and why biological sex isn't always binary
