Chromosomes, showing the Y chromosome (IMAGE)

The Francis Crick Institute

Chromosomes, showing the Y chromosome

Caption

Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, including a pair of sex chromosomes (typically XX for females, and XY for males). Chromosomes contain hundreds to thousands of genes, which are sections of DNA located at specific points on a chromosome. The Y chromosome is an exception, only containing a few dozen genes. DNA is the material carrying all the information about the development and functioning of the individual – the blueprint to make proteins.

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Jeremie Subrini

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