The 23 rd chromosome base pair contains what are known as our sex chromosomes. For most females, this pair contains two X chromosomes, while for most males, it contains one X chromosome and one Y ...

A condition known as Robertsonian translocation occurs when the long arms of two chromosomes join together. The characterization of the fully sequenced and assembled fused chromosomes reveals a common ...

Scientists have revealed parts of the genome that are especially vulnerable to mutations that occur very early on in development. These areas are in the initial portions of genes, where the cell tends ...

The Y chromosome is perhaps the most puzzling part of the human genome. Associated with male development, it is chock-full of repetitive and inverted stretches of DNA, a hurdle that makes it ...

Researchers have discovered new regions of the human genome particularly vulnerable to mutations. These altered stretches of DNA can be passed down to future generations and are important for how we ...

Human biological sex is determined by the sex chromosomes X and Y. In most cases, females possess two X chromosomes, while males have one X and one Y. However, there is some evidence that the Y ...

Laurence D. Hurst is the author of The Evolution of Imperfection, published by Princeton University Press. This was enabled by funding from The Humboldt Foundation and the European Research Council.