Sex determination
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Sex determination
Sex determination (/sɛks dɪˌtɜːrmɪˈneɪʃən/) is the biological system that determines the development of sexual characteristics in an organism. This system is one of the fundamental aspects of life that divide organisms into male and female types.
Etymology
The term "sex determination" is derived from the Latin "sexus" meaning "sex" and the Latin "determinare" meaning "to limit, set boundaries".
Process
Sex determination involves a number of genetic and environmental factors. In many species, sex is determined by specific chromosomes. Humans and most other mammals have an XY sex-determination system, where the Y chromosome carries factors responsible for triggering male development.
Related terms
- XY sex-determination system: The system of sex determination used by humans and most other mammals.
- XX sex-determination system: A system of sex determination where the presence of two X chromosomes leads to female development, and one X leads to male development. This system is used by birds, some reptiles, and some insects.
- Zygote: The cell formed when two gametes (an egg from the mother and sperm from the father) come together during fertilization.
- Genotype: The genetic makeup of an organism, which determines its physical characteristics (phenotype).
- Phenotype: The physical and physiological traits of an organism, which are determined by its genetic makeup (genotype).
See also
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