Question

Foetal sex is determined by examining cells from amniotic fluid looking for

• A. Chiasmata
• B. Barr bodies and sex chromosomes
• C. Only Barr bodies
• D. Drumsticks

Answer 1

The correct option is B Barr bodies and sex chromosomes

Amniocentesis is used for prenatal diagnosis and used for foetal diagnosis. Foetal sex can be determined by examining cells from the amniotic fluid by looking for Barr bodies and female sex chromosome. The sex of the child and chromosomal abnormalities, if any can be detected by studying foetal cells. According to British geneticist, Mary Lyon (1961) one of the two X chromosomes of a normal female becomes heterochromatic and appears as Barr body.

So, the correct answer is option B.