Male sex chromosomes. Computer artwork of human X (pink) and Y (blue) chromosomes. In the background are male gender symbols. The X and Y chromosomes are the two sex chromosomes. Each chromosome is comprised of two matching chromatids that are joined together at an area called a centromere. Each chromosome contains, amongst other things, the genetic material DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), and so carries the inherited characteristics of a human. Most human cells contain 46 chromosomes as 23 pairs, of which one pair are the sex chromosomes. A male has one X and one Y chromosome, while a female has two X chromosomes.