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Y chromosome

noun

Genetics.

a sex chromosome of humans and most mammals that is present only in males and is paired with an X chromosome.

Y-chromosome

noun

the sex chromosome that occurs as one of a pair with the X-chromosome in the diploid cells of the males of many animals, including humans Compare X-chromosome

Y-chromosome

The sex chromosome that is paired with an X-chromosome in males. Most of the genes on the X-chromosome determine physical attributes associated with males, such as the development of testes.
See more at sex chromosome See Note at sex

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Word History and Origins

Origin of Y-chromosome¹

First recorded in 1920–25

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Chromosomes are larger sections of DNA, and male cats like other mammals have an X and a Y chromosome, which carry different amounts of genes.

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Genes found on the Y chromosome are only active in cells that have the XY chromosome.

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By contrast, there was a lot of diversity in the Y chromosomes, which is passed from father to son, indicating that men from lots of different families married into the community.

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"In fact, scientists used to believe that the Y chromosome lacked genetic variety, which we believed meant that it didn't contribute much to species diversity."

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To fully understand this complex swath of the American electorate, there’s been no shortage of wide-lens examinations into the political leanings of the Y chromosome set.

From

YC Y.C.L.

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