What determines the sex of an individual in human beings?a)Environmen...
The sex of an individual in human beings is largely genetically determined, based on the genes inherited from parents. This genetic inheritance decides whether an individual will be male or female.
What determines the sex of an individual in human beings?a)Environmen...
Understanding Sex Determination in Humans
In human beings, the sex of an individual is primarily determined by genetic factors inherited from the parents.
Key Points on Genetic Determination:
- Chromosomes: Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, with one pair being the sex chromosomes. Females typically have two X chromosomes (XX), while males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY).
- Inheritance: A child inherits one sex chromosome from each parent. If a father contributes an X chromosome and the mother contributes an X chromosome, the child will be female (XX). Conversely, if the father contributes a Y chromosome and the mother contributes an X chromosome, the child will be male (XY).
- Role of the Y Chromosome: The presence of the Y chromosome is crucial for male development. It carries the SRY gene (Sex-determining Region Y), which triggers the development of male characteristics during embryonic development.
Other Factors Considered:
- Environmental Cues: While environmental factors can influence sex determination in some species (like reptiles), they do not play a significant role in humans.
- Temperature: In certain animals, the temperature at which eggs are incubated can determine the sex of the offspring, but this is not applicable to humans.
- Sex Change Ability: Some species can change sex based on environmental factors, but humans do not have this capability.
Conclusion:
Thus, the correct answer to what determines the sex of an individual in humans is option 'B', which emphasizes the critical role of genetic inheritance from parents.
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