X Chromosome

Definition

The X chromosome is one of the two sex chromosomes in humans (the other being Y). Females have two X chromosomes while males have one X and one Y chromosome.

Related terms

Sex-linked Traits: These are traits associated with genes found on sex chromosomes.

Autosomes: These are all other chromosomes that aren't involved in determining sex; humans have 22 pairs.

Hemizygous Trait: A trait where only one allele is present because it occurs on the single X-chromosome in males.