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:
“A magazine or a newspaper is a shop. Each is an experiment and represents a new focus, a new ratio between commerce and intellect.”
—John Jay Chapman (1862–1933)