MadSci Network: Genetics
Query:

Re: Do female humans have more chromosome material in their cells than males?

Date: Mon Jun 4 15:24:43 2001
Posted By: Stacey Kohler, Secondary School Teacher, General Science, Kissimmee Middle School
Area of science: Genetics
ID: 988836376.Ge
Message:

In a word, yes.

Both male and female humans have 23 pairs, or 46 chromosomes in their 
cells.  Both chromosomes of a pair are identical, except for the so-
called "sex chromosomes."  In those, a female has two large "X" 
chromosomes, while a male has one large "X" chromosome and one much 
smaller "y" chromosome.  So the female does in fact have more chromosonal 
material.  The difference is not a huge one, however.

Sincerely, 
Your Mad Scientist

S. Kohler


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