xy
Definition
- Noun:
- (genetics) The normal complement of sex chromosomes in a male mammal: In genetics, 'XY' refers specifically to the pair of sex chromosomes (one X chromosome and one Y chromosome) that typically determines male biological sex in humans and many other species.
Usage Notes
- The term 'XY' is used almost exclusively in scientific, medical, and genetic contexts to denote chromosomal sex.
- It is typically written in italics () or in capital letters without italics (XY) in technical writing.
- It functions as a singular noun when referring to the chromosomal pair as a single genetic condition (e.g., "XY is associated with male development").
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The presence of an XY chromosome pair usually leads to the development of male characteristics.
- In humans, individuals with XY chromosomes typically produce sperm.
- The geneticist explained the difference between XX and XY chromosomal patterns.
Advanced Usage
"XY individual": A person or organism possessing XY chromosomes.
- The study focused on hormone levels in XY individuals.
"XY genotype": The specific genetic makeup involving one X and one Y chromosome.
- The XY genotype triggers the development of testes in utero.
Variants and Related Words
- XX (n): The normal complement of sex chromosomes in a female mammal (two X chromosomes).
- X chromosome (n): One of the two types of sex chromosomes, present in both males and females.
- Y chromosome (n): The sex chromosome typically present only in males and responsible for triggering male sexual development.
- Sex chromosomes (n pl): The pair of chromosomes (X and Y) that determine the biological sex of an organism.
Synonyms
- Male chromosomes (informal/non-technical synonym)
- Heterogametic sex (broader biological term for the sex that produces two different types of gametes; in mammals, the XY male is heterogametic)
Related Phrases
- XY sex-determination system: The biological system where the presence of a Y chromosome determines male development.
- The XY sex-determination system is common in mammals.
Important Notes
- 'XY' is a scientific term. It is not used in everyday conversation about gender or social roles.
- The reference definition mentions "sex hormones," but this is a slight simplification. 'XY' directly refers to chromosomes, not hormones. The hormones (like testosterone) are produced as a result of the developmental pathway initiated by the genes on these chromosomes.
Noun
-
(genetics) normal complement of sex hormones in a male
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