How Do You Spell SEX CHROMOSOME?

Pronunciation: [sˈɛks kɹˈə͡ʊməsˌə͡ʊm] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "sex chromosome" is unusual because of the unusual phonology of the English language. The word is pronounced as /sɛks ˈkroʊməsoʊm/, which means the "s" sound is pronounced as /s/ and not /z/, despite the presence of the letter "x." The "o" in chromosome is pronounced as /oʊ/ because of the silent "h" in "chromo." Understanding the correct pronunciation of words is essential in effective communication. Therefore, it is always advisable to use a phonetic transcription to guide proper pronunciation.

SEX CHROMOSOME Meaning and Definition

1. A sex chromosome is a specialized type of chromosome that determines the sex of an individual in many organisms, including humans. These chromosomes are responsible for carrying the genes that dictate the development and characteristics associated with sexual differentiation. In most cases, sex chromosomes are represented as either X or Y chromosomes.

   In humans, sex chromosomes determine whether an individual will be male (XY) or female (XX). Females possess two X chromosomes, while males possess one X and one Y chromosome. The presence or absence of the Y chromosome ultimately determines the development of male reproductive structures and secondary sexual characteristics.

   The sex chromosomes are inherited from an individual's parents through the process of reproduction. When a mother and a father each contribute one sex chromosome, the combination determines the sex of the resulting offspring. If the father contributes an X chromosome, the resulting offspring will be female, whereas if the father donates a Y chromosome, the offspring will be male.

   Anomalies or variations in sex chromosome patterns can result in certain genetic disorders or sex-related conditions. For example, individuals with Klinefelter syndrome possess an extra X chromosome (XXY), leading to developmental differences and potential fertility issues. Turner syndrome, on the other hand, occurs when females are born with a single X chromosome (X0).

   Overall, sex chromosomes play a crucial role in determining an individual's sex and are essential for the proper development of sexual characteristics and reproductive functions.

2. Accessory c., so-called because it is assumed to determine the sex of the individual.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for SEX CHROMOSOME

• aex chromosome
• zex chromosome
• xex chromosome
• dex chromosome
• eex chromosome
• wex chromosome
• swx chromosome
• ssx chromosome
• sdx chromosome
• srx chromosome
• s4x chromosome
• s3x chromosome
• sez chromosome
• sec chromosome
• sed chromosome
• ses chromosome
• sex xhromosome
• sex vhromosome
• sex fhromosome
• sexchromosome

Etymology of SEX CHROMOSOME

The term "sex chromosome" can be broken down into two parts: "sex" and "chromosome".

The word "sex" comes from the Latin word "sexus", meaning "state of being male or female". It is believed to have originated from the Indo-European root "*swek-", which means "to beget" or "to produce".

The term "chromosome" is derived from Greek. "Chromo-" comes from the Greek word "khrōma", meaning "color", and "-some" comes from the Greek word "sōma", meaning "body". The word was coined by the German anatomist Wilhelm von Waldeyer-Hartz in 1888 to describe the colored thread-like structures observed in the cell nucleus, especially during cell division.

Combined, "sex chromosome" refers to the specific chromosomes that determine the sex of an individual in many species.

Similar spelling words for SEX CHROMOSOME

• sex chromatin,
• sex hormone.