Letter Y

Y map

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The array of genes on the Y chromosome.

Once thought to be a genetic wasteland, the Y now is known to contain at least 20 genes.

Some of these genes are unique to the Y including the Y-chromosome sex-determining region and male fitness genes that are active only in the testis and are thought responsible for the formation of sperm.

Other genes on the Y have counterparts on the X chromosome, are active in many body tissues and play crucial 'housekeeping' roles within the cell.

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