What is the Difference Between XX and XY Chromosomes?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The X and Y chromosomes, also known as the sex chromosomes, determine the biological sex of an individual. The key differences between XX and XY chromosomes are as follows:
- Inheritance: Females inherit an X chromosome from the father for a XX genotype, while males inherit a Y chromosome from the father for a XY genotype. Mothers only pass on X chromosomes.
- Length: The Y chromosome is one-third as long as the X chromosome.
- Number of Protein-Coding Genes: The X chromosome has about 900 protein-coding genes, while the Y chromosome has significantly fewer.
- Sex-Determining Region: The Y chromosome contains the SRY gene, which is responsible for triggering the development of male reproductive organs. If the SRY gene doesn't produce a functional protein, the embryo will not develop testes despite having a Y chromosome.
In summary, the X and Y chromosomes differ in their length, protein-coding genes, and the presence of the SRY gene, which plays a crucial role in determining the biological sex of an individual.
Comparative Table: XX vs XY Chromosomes
The main difference between XX and XY chromosomes lies in the sex of the individual they determine. Here is a table highlighting the differences between XX and XY chromosomes:
Feature | XX Chromosomes | XY Chromosomes |
---|---|---|
Sex Determination | Female | Male |
Chromosome Pairs | Two X | One X, One Y |
Sex-Linked Genes | X-linked genes | Y-linked genes when present |
Sex Chromosome Inheritance | One X from each parent | One X from the mother and one Y from the father |
X-Inactivation | Occurs in females | Does not occur in males |
In mammals, including humans, the sex chromosomes determine the sex of an individual. Females typically have two X chromosomes (XX), while males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY). X-linked genes are present on the X chromosome and are called sex-linked genes, as they have different inheritance patterns than genes on non-sex chromosomes (autosomes).
In females, one of the two X chromosomes undergoes X-inactivation, a process in which the inactivated X chromosome remains within a cell as a Barr body. This process does not occur in males, as they have one X and one Y chromosome.
- X vs Y Chromosomes
- Male vs Female Chromosomes
- Autosomes vs Sex Chromosomes
- Autosomes vs Chromosomes
- DNA vs Chromosome
- Male vs Female Karyotypes
- Gene vs Chromosome
- Chromatin vs Chromosomes
- Homologous vs Homeologous Chromosomes
- Male vs Female DNA
- Chromosome vs Chromatid
- Homologous Chromosomes vs Sister Chromatids
- Gene Mutation vs Chromosome Mutation
- Chromatin vs Chromatid
- Acrocentric vs Telocentric Chromosomes
- Plasmid vs Chromosome
- Chromatin Fiber vs Chromosome
- Genetic Disorders vs Chromosomal Disorders
- Parental Type vs Recombinant Type Chromosomes