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Generic Cell Division

Gender

updated: November 9, 2024

Definition

Gender is an evolving term, and there are different definitions. In a general sense, gender involves how a person identifies along a broad, fluid spectrum, rather than strictly by the sex assignment they received at birth. Sex refers to the physical differences (e.g., chromosome composition, anatomy, and physiology) among people who are born male, female, or intersex. The term gender may also be used to refer to the social or cultural constructs of “roles” or “norms” typically associated with being masculine or feminine. Gender does not always directly relate to sex assigned at birth.