A sex-controlled gene is a specific type of gene that is located on the sex chromosomes and influences the development and expression of sexual characteristics in an organism. Other synonyms that can be used to refer to this type of gene include sex-limited gene, sex-influenced gene, and sex-determining gene. The term sex-limited gene refers to a gene that is present in both sexes, but only affects traits that are specific to one sex or the other. Similarly, a sex-influenced gene is one that is present in both sexes, but its expression is influenced by sex hormones. Finally, a sex-determining gene is a gene that controls the development of an organism as male or female.