Allosome

An allosome is a sex chromosome that differs from an ordinary autosome in form, size, or behavior. The human sex chromosomes are a typical pair of allosomes. The x chromosome is present in the ovum, while x or y chromosomes can be present in sperm.

The chromosomes which determine the sex (maleness or femaleness) of an individual in sexually producing organisms are called sex chromosomes or allosomes or idiosomes. For example in human beings an individual is female if its cells contain XX chromosomes (homo or isogametic) and male if its cells contains XY chromosomes (hetrogametic)

References

• Hypermedia Glossary Of Genetic Terms: Allosome