Question

Compare X chromosome and Y chromosome.

Answer 1

Sr. No.	X Chromosome	Y Chromosome
1.	It is metacentric, hence appears X shaped.	It is acrocentric, hence appears Y shaped
2.	It is longer than ‘Y’ chromosomes.	It is shorter than ‘X’ chromosomes.
3.	It contains a large amount of euchromatin and a small amount of heterochromatin.	It contains large amount of heterochromatin and small amount of euchromatin.
4.	Both males and females have at least one X chromosome. Females have two X chromosomes (XX), and males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY).	The presence of the Y chromosome determines male characteristics. The Y chromosome contains the SRY (Sex-determining Region Y) gene, which triggers the development of male sex organs and secondary characteristics.
5.	Non-homologous part of X chromosome shows more genes than Y chromosome.	Non-homologous part of Y chromosome contains few genes as compared to X chromosome.
6.	X – linked genes are present on the X chromosome.	Y-linked genes (Holandric genes) are present on Y chromosome.
7.	Inherited from both parents. Females inherit one X chromosome from each parent, while males inherit an X chromosome from their mother. X chromosome shows criss cross inheritance.	Inherited only from the father. Only males have the Y chromosome, passed from father to son.  Genes present in the Y chromosome show linear inheritance.
8.	The X chromosome is genetically more active due to its larger number of genes.	The Y chromosome is genetically less active and contains fewer functional genes.