X-chro·mo·some or X chromosome ( ks kr m -sm )n. The sex chromosome associated with female characteristics in mammals, occurring paired in the female and single in the male. |
X-chromosome
Noun
the sex chromosome that occurs in pairs in the females of many animals, including humans, and as one of a pair with the Y-chromosome in males
| X-chromosome (kskrm-sm) The sex chromosome that in female mammals is paired with another X-chromosome and in males is paired with a Y-chromosome. Very few genes on the X-chromosome have counterparts on the Y-chromosome, and since males have only one X-chromosome, any gene present on it (even if the gene is recessive in females) is expressed in males. In females, one of the two X-chromosomes in each cell is deactivated. See more at sex chromosome. See note at sex. |
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