Explain how sex is determined in the unborn baby.

The two chromosomes that determine the sex of the unborn baby are called sex chromosomes named X chromosomes and Y chromosomes. A female has two X chromosomes, while a male has one X and one Y chromosome. The gametes (egg and sperm) have only one set of chromosomes. Thus, in females all the egg cells contain X chromosomes while in males, half sperm have X chromosomes and half sperms have Y chromosomes.

When a sperm containing X chromosome fertilizes the egg, the zygote would have XX chromosomes and develop into a female child. If the sperm contributes a Y chromosome to the egg (ovum) at fertilization, the zygote would develop into a male child.


Thus, father is responsible for the sex of the baby which is born.


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