Which chromosomes represent the X and Y chromosomes in human males?

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Study for the UCF PCB3063 Genetics Final Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

In humans, males typically have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome, which are the 23rd pair of chromosomes in their karyotype. Therefore, the correct representation of human male chromosomes includes 22 pairs of autosomes followed by the X and Y chromosomes. It is standard practice to label the first 22 pairs as autosomes, with the 23rd pair consisting of the sex chromosomes: the X and Y.

The correct choice identifies that the 23rd chromosome in males is the X chromosome, while the Y chromosome also forms part of this last pair, effectively categorizing them within the 23rd pair. Thus, they should be represented as the 23rd (X) and 24th (Y) claims, aligning with the established nomenclature of human genetics.

This understanding reinforces the concept of X and Y chromosomes being distinctive from autosomes, which do not determine sex.