Sex Chromosomes

Sex chromosomes are chromosomes that are responsible for a particular individual’s gender. In humans, the two sex chromosomes are referred to as X and Y and are present in almost all animals and some plants. Females normally have two X chromosomes, while males typically have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. The presence of the Y chromosome determines the sex of an individual. Variations in the structure and number of sex chromosomes can cause the development of chromosomal disorders and diseases such as Turner Syndrome and Klinefelter Syndrome. Sex chromosomes are an important area of research with implications for our understanding of inherited diseases, evolutionary process and gender.