sex chromosome

[ seks kroh-muh-sohm ]

noun

, Genetics.

1. a chromosome, differing in shape or function from other chromosomes, that determines the sex of an individual.

sex chromosome

noun

1. either of the chromosomes determining the sex of animals See also X-chromosome Y-chromosome

sex chromosome

1. Either of a pair of chromosomes, usually called X and Y, that in combination determine the sex of an individual in many animals and in some plants. In mammals, XX results in a female and XY in a male, while the opposite is true in birds (where the designations ZW for female and ZZ for male are often used). Sex chromosomes carry the genes that control the development of reproductive organs and secondary sex characteristics. In some organisms, sex is determined by environmental influences.
2. See also X-chromosome

Word History and Origins

Origin of sex chromosome¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

These findings shed light on the evolution of sex chromosomes and inform understanding of diseases related to genes on these chromosomes in both apes and humans.

From Science Daily

Whereas in humans it is males who carry a sex-specific chromosome, the Y chromosome, in birds it is females who have a sex chromosome, the W chromosome.

From Science Daily

The genome consists of 2.9 billion base pairs, which form 23 autosomal chromosomes, and X and Y sex chromosomes.

From Science Daily

Female birds have two different sex chromosomes, designated W and Z, while males have two Z chromosomes.

From New York Times

The team found some species with minor changes, mainly involving fusions of small autosomes5 and the sex chromosome.

From Science Daily