What is the main mechanism of sex determination in humans?a)The temper...
- Chromosomes from Parents: Human sex determination is based on the chromosomes inherited from parents. Each parent contributes one sex chromosome.
- Chromosome Pairs: Females have two X chromosomes (XX), while males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY).
- Role of Y Chromosome: The presence of a Y chromosome determines male development because it carries the SRY gene, which triggers male characteristics.
- Genetic Basis: The combination of these chromosomes at fertilization determines the sex of the offspring.
What is the main mechanism of sex determination in humans?a)The temper...
Understanding Sex Determination in Humans
In humans, sex determination primarily relies on genetic factors, specifically the chromosomes inherited from parents.
Chromosomal Basis of Sex Determination
- Humans possess 23 pairs of chromosomes, totaling 46 chromosomes. Among these, one pair is the sex chromosomes, which are designated as X and Y.
- Females typically have two X chromosomes (XX), while males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY).
How Chromosomes Determine Sex
- During reproduction, each parent contributes one sex chromosome to the offspring.
- If the sperm carrying an X chromosome fertilizes an egg (which always carries an X chromosome), the resulting genotype is XX, leading to a female.
- Conversely, if the sperm carrying a Y chromosome fertilizes the egg, the genotype becomes XY, resulting in a male.
Key Points of Chromosomal Influence
- The presence of the Y chromosome is crucial for male development as it carries the SRY gene, which triggers the development of male physical characteristics.
- The absence of the Y chromosome results in the default development pathway, which is typically female.
Conclusion
In summary, the main mechanism of sex determination in humans is the chromosomes inherited from parents, specifically the combination of X and Y chromosomes. This genetic foundation is essential in determining the biological sex of the offspring.