Evidence for a novel X chromosome in termites

Termites are members of the Blattodea family, along with cockroaches. Their sex determination system, XX/XY, evolved from XX/X0, which is found in other Blattodean species like wood roaches and cockroaches. The gene composition, evolution, and sex chromosomes of termites are still poorly understood. This study examines X chromosomes in termites, Reticulitermes flavipes, Macrotermes natalensis and Cryptotermes secundus, and compares them with cockroaches' X chromosomes.