Allosome

A chromosome involved in the determination of the sex of offspring produced via sexual reproduction. Contrast with autosomes which are not involved in sex determination. Individuals receive one allosome from each of their parents.

Humans have two types of allosomes, X-chromosomes and Y-chromosomes. Females have two X-chromosomes, and males have one X and one Y-chromosome.

Genes on the allosomes are called sex-linked genes because their inheritance and expression patterns differ between males and females.