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

All the eggs contain what is known as the "X" type of sex chromosome.

From Project Gutenberg

This has included sex phenomena since McClung and Sutton pointed out the function of the sex chromosome in 1902 and 1903.

From Project Gutenberg

The single-sex chromosome which males possess invariably comes from the mother.

From Project Gutenberg