When you start learning about genetics, you'll quickly hear about something called chromosomes. These are very important for understanding how traits are passed down in families.

There are two main types of chromosomes: autosomes and sex chromosomes.

1. Autosomes:

   • These chromosomes do not decide your gender.
   • Humans have 22 pairs of autosomes. They contain genes that affect many traits, like your eye color or how likely you are to get certain diseases.

2. Sex Chromosomes:

   • Humans have 1 pair of sex chromosomes, and these are key in determining whether you are male or female.
   • Males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY).
   • Females have two X chromosomes (XX).
   • The Y chromosome is what makes someone develop male traits.

Overall, humans have 46 chromosomes in total, which makes 23 pairs. Out of these, 22 pairs are autosomes, and just 1 pair are sex chromosomes.

While autosomes help determine different traits in a person, sex chromosomes decide if your body will develop as male or female.

Knowing the difference between these chromosomes is really important for learning about genetics and how traits are passed from parents to their children!