Saturday Genetics Quiz #18: The Y Chromosome
This week’s genetics quiz questions:
1. Under normal circumstances, do men or women carry the Y chromosome?
2. The Y chromosome has approximately how many base pairs?
3. For the most part, what kind of genes does the Y chromosome have?
4. How many protein-coding genes does the Y chromosome have?
5. What’s the most famous Y chromosome gene?
Answers:
1. Normally, men carry one Y chromosome.
2. The Y chromosome is made up of approximately 23 million base pairs.
3. The genes on the Y chromosome are mostly involved in male sexual determination and development.
4. The Y chromosome has approximately 78 protein-coding genes, but there are only 27 distinct proteins made.
5. The most famous Y chromosome gene is the SRY (sex-determining region Y), which triggers development of the testes and, via hormones, maleness.
For more information, see Y chromosome quick facts, The Wellcome Trust.
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1 opinion for Saturday Genetics Quiz #18: The Y Chromosome
Genetics and Health » RSPO1 Gene for Women
Oct 16, 2006 at 1:59 pm
[…] In men, the SRY (sex-determining region Y) gene on the Y chromosome determines the development of male characteristics. The corresponding gene in women may be the R-spondin1 (RSPO1) gene. People with the XX genotype who would normally be women become men if they have a non-functional RSPO1 gene. The gene was discovered in a family of four sons who all had two X chromosomes, no SRY gene, and mutations in the RSPO1 gene. […]
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