Question

How is the sex of children determined in humans?

Answer 1

Sex determination in humans:

1. The sex determination mechanism in humans is the XY method.
2. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes out of which 1 pair is the sex chromosome.
3. 22 pairs are autosomes and only one pair is allosome or sex chromosomes. Allosome determines the sex of the individual.
4. Females have identical sex chromosomes, two X chromosomes, represented by 22+XX. Only one of the chromosomes is active.
5. Male have non-identical sex chromosomes, one X and one Y. It is represented as 22+XY. They are both active.
6. The XY sex-determination system is found in humans, mammals, some insects, and a few plant species.
7. All children will inherit an X chromosome from their mother, despite whether they are a boy or girls. Thus, the sex of the children will be determined by the type of chromosome inherited from their father.
8. A child who inherits the Y chromosome will be a boy and one who inherits the X chromosome will be a girl.
9. If the X chromosome of the female is united with the X chromosome of the male, the baby will be a girl and when the X chromosome of the female unites with the Y chromosome of the male, the baby will be a boy.
10. Sex depends on the chromosome of the sperm which fertilizes with the egg.
11. Therefore, sex determination in humans is by the XY method.