What chromosome configuration typically determines male sex in humans?

The configuration of chromosomes that typically determines male sex in humans is the XY configuration. In this system, males possess one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. The presence of the Y chromosome is crucial as it carries the SRY gene (Sex-determining Region Y), which plays a key role in the development of male sexual characteristics early in embryonic development.

The X chromosome carries various genes that are essential for both male and female development, while the Y chromosome is primarily associated with male-specific traits. Thus, the combination of XY leads to the development of male phenotypic characteristics and reproductive anatomy.

In contrast, female sex is determined by the XX configuration, where two X chromosomes are present. The other configurations such as YY and XYY, while notable in certain contexts, do not typically result in the determination of male sex in the normal biological sense, with YY not being a viable configuration and XYY associated with specific conditions rather than standard male development.