Question

Write notes on sex determination in the unborn baby.

Answer 1

Sex determination in an unborn baby:

1. The type of male gamete that fuses with the female gamete determines the sex of a baby.
2. All human beings have 23 pairs of chromosomes in their nuclei. Out of these 23 pairs, the last pair is known as the sex chromosome.
3. The human males have 23 pairs of chromosomes, including XY sex chromosomes. Therefore, the male gamete has 22 chromosomes and either an X or Y sex chromosome.
4. Male gametes can be of two types: 22+X or 22+Y
   Females have 23 pairs of chromosomes, including XX sex chromosomes. Therefore, their gametes can only have 22 chromosomes and one X sex chromosome.
5. Type of female gametes: 22+X As a result, since the mother only contributes the X chromosome, the type of male gamete (X or Y) that fuses with the female's X chromosome determines the sex of the baby.
6.