Which of the following is true about sex chromosomes in humans?a)Both ...
- Sex Chromosomes in Humans: Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, with one pair being the sex chromosomes.
- Female Chromosomes: Females have two X chromosomes, represented as XX. This combination does not contain a Y chromosome.
- Male Chromosomes: Males have one X and one Y chromosome, represented as XY. This combination determines male characteristics.
- Sex Determination: The presence of the Y chromosome is crucial for male development, making sex chromosomes essential for sex determination in humans.
- Thus, option C is correct.
Which of the following is true about sex chromosomes in humans?a)Both ...
Understanding Human Sex Chromosomes
In humans, the determination of biological sex is primarily influenced by the composition of sex chromosomes. Let's break down the key aspects:
Sex Chromosome Composition
- Females (XX): Women have two X chromosomes, which are denoted as XX. This configuration is essential for typical female development and functions in reproduction.
- Males (XY): Men possess one X and one Y chromosome, represented as XY. The presence of the Y chromosome triggers male biological development and characteristics.
Significance of the Y Chromosome
- The Y chromosome carries genes that are critical for male sex determination and sperm production. One of the key genes on the Y chromosome is the SRY gene, which initiates the pathway for male sex differentiation.
Why Other Options are Incorrect
- Option A (Both males and females have two X chromosomes): This statement is false because only females have two X chromosomes. Males have one X and one Y.
- Option B (Males have two Y chromosomes): This is incorrect. Males have one Y chromosome, not two. Having two Y chromosomes is not viable in humans.
- Option D (Sex chromosomes do not affect sex determination): This statement is misleading. Sex chromosomes are crucial for determining biological sex in humans.
Conclusion
Thus, the correct answer is option 'C': Females have two X chromosomes (XX), and males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY). This chromosomal structure is fundamental to our understanding of human biology and reproduction.