The X:A ratio is the ratio between the X chromosome and the number of sets of autosomes in an organism.
This ratio is used primarily for determining sex of drosophila flies. Generally, a 1:1 ratio results in a female and a 1:2 ratio results in a male. When calculating the ratio, Y chromosomes are ignored. For example, for a triploid drosophila that has XXX, the ratio is 1:1 (3 Xs to 3 autosomes, since it is a triploid). For a diploid drosophila that has XY, the ratio is 1:2 (1 X to 2 autosomes, since it is diploid).
Famous quotes containing the word ratio:
“Personal rights, universally the same, demand a government framed on the ratio of the census: property demands a government framed on the ratio of owners and of owning.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)