Question

Does the genetic combination of mothers play a significant role in determining the sex of a newborn?

Answer 1

Genetic recombination:

1. It is the exchange of genetic material between distinct organisms, which results in the production of offspring with a combination of traits that vary from those witnessed in either parent.
2. The sex of an individual relies upon the combination of sex chromosomes in its cells, that is, the combination of X and Y chromosomes.
3. The mother generates a gamete with the X chromosome.
4. On the other hand, the father generates gametes carrying an X chromosome and a Y chromosome.
5. The embryo produced will have one X chromosome from the mother, and the other X or Y chromosome from the father.
6. The embryo with genotype XX would result in the formation of a female, while, an embryo with genotype XY would result in the formation of a male.
7. Thus, in humans, the sex of a child is determined by the father, while the genetic combination of the mother does not perform any function in determining the sex of the newborn baby.