Y Chromosome

The Y chromosome is one of two human sex chromosomes, the other being the X chromosome. When researchers completed the first human genome sequence 20 years ago, gaps were left in the sequences of every chromosome, and in the race to sequence the human genome, the Y chromosome got left in the dust.

Researchers have generated the first truly complete sequence of a human Y chromosome, the final human chromosome to be fully sequenced. The new sequence, which fills in gaps across more than 50% of the Y chromosome’s length, uncovers important genetic features with implications for fertility, such as factors in sperm production. 

Learn more about this extraordinary achievement.