on November 20, 2023, 4:10 AM
In humans, the sex of a child is determined by the sex chromosomes contributed by the parents. Females have two X chromosomes (XX), while males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY). During reproduction, the mother always contributes an X chromosome, while the father can contribute either an X or a Y chromosome. If the child inherits an X chromosome from the father, the child will be female (XX); if a Y chromosome is inherited, the child will be male (XY).
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Introduction to Sex Determination in Humans
Sex determination in humans is a genetic process where the sex of a child is established based on the chromosomes inherited from the parents. This process is crucial for the development of sexual characteristics and is determined at the moment of conception.
The Role of Chromosomes in Sex Determination
Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, with one pair being the sex chromosomes. These are crucial in determining the genetic sex of an individual. Females typically have two X chromosomes (XX), while males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY).
Contribution of the Mother
The mother contributes one of her X chromosomes to the child. Since females have two X chromosomes, the mother’s contribution is always an X chromosome. This is a constant factor in the sex determination process.
Contribution of the Father
The father, having one X and one Y chromosome, can contribute either chromosome to the child. The sex chromosome that the father contributes determines the sex of the child. If the father contributes an X chromosome, the child will be female (XX), and if he contributes a Y chromosome, the child will be male (XY).
The Genetic Mechanism
At conception, when the sperm (carrying either an X or a Y chromosome) fertilizes the egg (carrying an X chromosome), the combination of these chromosomes determines the sex of the embryo. This combination is a matter of chance, with approximately a 50% probability for each sex.
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The Determination of Sex
In conclusion, the sex of a child in humans is determined by the specific combination of sex chromosomes inherited from the parents. The mother’s contribution is always an X chromosome, while the father’s contribution, either an X or a Y chromosome, is what ultimately decides whether the child will be male or female. This genetic mechanism is a fundamental aspect of human reproduction and development.
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Questions of 10th Science Chapter 8 in Detail
