Chromosomal foundation/Introduction
Chromosomes XX and XY
Although there are numerous anatomical and physiological differences between the sexes, the chromosomal basis of sex determination is quite simple. In humans, women carry two X chromosomes, while men have one X and one Y chromosome. This means that the DNA sequence differs by 1.5 percent between the sexes. The phenotypic differences result, among other things, from the fact that one of the two X chromosomes is inactivated in all women’s tissues. The inactivation is irreversible and affects either the X chromosome of paternal or maternal origin. Since this process takes place during early embryonic development, only the genes of the active X chromosome are read, providing information for the synthesis of the corresponding proteins. Since 15 percent of X chromosomal genes can escape inactivation, women can sometimes produce twice as many of the same protein as men. This can lead to significant differences in metabolism. From the sex-specific chromosome constellation (XX or XY) it is evident that Y-chromosomal genes are present only in men and are predominantly expressed in the reproductive system. Lastly, there are sex differences regarding physiological, anatomical and behavioral characteristics. [1]
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Last changed: 2021-03-02 11:28:55