How does the X and Y chromosome follow the principle of segregation?

Question

What does this mean?

Answer 1

The principle or law of segregation was one of Mendel's ideas. Although he studied autosomally inherited traits (ones that are not on sex chromosomes), the principle of segregation still applies to sex chomosomes. As suggested by the other poster, segregation is the separation of chromosomes (and the traits associated with each chromosome) into gametes. Sex chromosomes, like the other chomosome pairs, separate in anaphase I of meiosis during gamate formation. XY individuals, males as you know, will make gamates that will be either X or Y during segration. So when a male mates with a female (XX), you have a 50:50 chance of getting a male or female...as you would expect (do a Punnet Square if you need to convince yourself of this)

Answer 2

This means that the X-chromosome and the Y-chromosome act like a pair, even thought they are not alike.

The principle of segregation says that pairs of factors separate from each other and go into different gametes.

The X and Y-chromosomes go into different gametes when gametes are formed.

So a Mom has two Xs, and each gamete gets one X.
A Dad has an X and a Y, and each gamete gets either the X or the Y.