This article is part of a fortnightly column exploring contemporary concepts and issues in genetics.
The Y chromosome, often referred to as the “master of maleness”, has long captivated scientists and historians alike. In humans, in addition to the 22 pairs of chromosomes in each, we have a pair of sex chromosomes called X and Y. Sex as a specification is determined by these sex chromosomes. They carry sex-determining genes. All biological males have X and Y chromosomes and all biological females have two X chromosomes. The ‘sex-determining region Y’ on the Y chromosome determines the biological male sex.
