SRY gene

noun

, Genetics.

1. a sex-determining gene on the Y chromosome in mammals that determines maleness and is essential for development of the testes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of SRY gene¹

First recorded in 1990–95; abbreviation of s(ex-determining) r(egion) Y

Example Sentences

This decision results from the coordinated activity of a set of genes, such as the Sry gene on the Y chromosome which has a short window of time to drive testes development.

From Science Daily

Remember, here’s where the SRY gene plays a role.

From Scientific American

Most often, the SRY gene is part of the Y chromosome, but sometimes, the SRY gene ends up on an X chromosome.

From Scientific American

Now we know that whether an embryo develops as a male depends upon a single gene: the SRY gene.

From BBC

That doesn’t mean that all men outperform all women, but it means that for élite-sport discussion, that Y chromosome, and specifically the SRY gene on it, which directs the formation of testes and the production of testosterone, is a key criterion on which to separate people into categories.

From The New Yorker