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Dictionary » S » Sex

Sex

Definition

noun, plural: sexes

(1) The assemblage of characters or qualities of being a male or a female in animals and plants.

(2) The genitals; the physical distinction between male and female.

(3) Coitus; sexual intercourse.


Supplement

In biology, sex may refer to the gender (i.e. male or female variety). It may also pertain to the means by which gametes may be introduced to combine and mix the genes with the genes of the partner.

In regard to sex as gender, there are various ways to determine the sex of an organism:


Word origin: L. Sexus: cf. F. Sexe.

See also: fertilization

Related terms:


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Results from our forum


Re: Knockout mice

... cell is expressing the protein to some extent?" Likely yes, though this can be complicated by the biology, especially if the gene is on the X sex chromosome (where chromosome silencing can complicate expression). "What confuses me is that if this is the case, then what's the difference ...

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by jonmoulton
Wed Feb 06, 2013 3:51 pm
 
Forum: Genetics
Topic: Knockout mice
Replies: 5
Views: 674

Re: Muscular dystrophy inheritance question

This might get you partway there. Dystrophin is a sex-linked disease carried on the X (sex) chromosome. It behaves as a recessive in females (who have two alleles for dystrophin) and as a dominant in males (who have only one dystrophin gene on their ...

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by jonmoulton
Tue Jan 08, 2013 8:05 pm
 
Forum: Molecular Biology
Topic: Muscular dystrophy inheritance question
Replies: 7
Views: 1071

Hermaphrodite Reproduction

... able to impregnate themselves." This leads us to believe that the chances of an individual with two fully developed, functioning sets of sex organs existing is rare at best. Moving on, however, we were stuck as to what term would be used for an individual who could (theoretically/hypothetically, ...

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by cbridges
Sun Dec 16, 2012 6:24 pm
 
Forum: Human Biology
Topic: Hermaphrodite Reproduction
Replies: 0
Views: 378

Re:

... and be selective of the males who court her -- do not have orgasm selected for them because it isn't necessary for them to be the ones seeking out sex?

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by vanizorc
Mon Dec 03, 2012 9:40 am
 
Forum: Human Biology
Topic: Why did evolution make intercourse un-pleasurable for women?
Replies: 2
Views: 566

Why did evolution make intercourse un-pleasurable for women?

... don't even feel any pleasure from it at all.) I would have thought that it would make more sense, from an evolutionary standpoint, to make coital sex enjoyable for * both * males and females, such that both men and women are equally motivated to desire and seek out intercourse in order to propagate ...

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by vanizorc
Sun Dec 02, 2012 12:06 pm
 
Forum: Human Biology
Topic: Why did evolution make intercourse un-pleasurable for women?
Replies: 2
Views: 566
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