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Dictionary » H » Heterogametic

Heterogametic

Definition

adjective

Having more than one kind of sex chromosome (or gamete)


Supplement


In humans, males are naturally heterogametic because they possess two types of sex chromosome: X-chromosome and Y-chromosome.

In gamete production, the males produce spermatozoa, each containing one sex chromosome, which may either be X or Y-chromosome. Thus, they also have two types of gametes: a sperm carrying the X-chromosome and another with the Y-chromosome.


Word origin: Greek héteros (other, different) Compare:

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Re:

Aren't the unmatched chromosomes female in birds? In birds, and lepidoptera, among others, females are the heterogametic sex (assuming "unmatched" means XY or ZW)

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by Tweedy
Fri Jul 10, 2009 12:36 pm
 
Forum: Genetics
Topic: heritability of Z-linked trait
Replies: 2
Views: 2264

Anyone know much on Hemizygous?

To clarify some of the terminology: female humans are referred to as homogametic - they have only one type of sex chromosome, the X. Males are heterogametic, having two different types of sex chromosomes, the X and the Y. In birds and some other animals, females are heterogametic, and males are ...

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by wbla3335
Thu Jul 26, 2007 10:37 am
 
Forum: Genetics
Topic: Anyone know much on Hemizygous?
Replies: 10
Views: 6353


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