Entry courtesy of
The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)

Sex chromosome

One of the two chromosomes that specify an organism's genetic sex. Humans have two kinds of sex chromosomes, one called X and the other Y. Normal females possess two X chromosomes and normal males one X and one Y.
Audio (launches external player)
Lindsay Middleton, R.N., of the National Human Genome Research Institute's Medical Genetics Branch, defines sex chromosome.

Related Terms

gene, mutation