In this article we will discuss about the sex determination in human beings. This is an important topic in biology and questions are frequently asked from this topic.
Sex Determination:
- In human beings we determine the sex with the help of the sex chromosome i.e. with the help of X and Y chromosome.
- In human beings 46 chromosomes are found out of which 44 are found in 22 pairs called autosomes and other two chromosomes are called sex chromosomes.
- The rest two chromosomes are same in female and are called X- chromosomes (XX).
- In male the rest two chromosomes are different and are called X and Y chromosomes.
- During reproduction females produces one type of gametes and containing 22 autosomes and one X chromosomes, while males produces two types of gametes one have 22 + X type chromosomes and other have 22+ Y types of chromosomes.
- When a male gametes i.e. sperm carrying X chromosomes fertilizes an ova, the zygote develop into female.
- When a sperm carrying Y chromosomes fertilizes an egg, zygote develops into male.
Some Genetic Disorder occur due to Chromosomes:
Klinefelter Syndrome:
- When a male have an extra X or Y chromosome in sex chromosomes then the condition will be XXY or XYY instead of XY. The individual became sterile in this condition.
- In female when an extra X chromosomes is present instead of XY they show normal development but limited fertility, metal retardness is also seen in this type of syndrome.
Turner’s Syndrome:
- When female has single sex chromosome (X0) their ovaries are rudimentary, lack of secondary sexual character.
Down’s Syndrome:
When an extra chromosomes is added to 21st autosomal chromosomes this lead to develop Down’s syndrome.
Colour Blindness:
- This disorder leads to failure to distinguish between red & green colour.
- The gene responsible for this disease is situated on a sex chromosomes.
Patau’s Syndrome:
- This type of syndrome is developed by an addition of autosomal chromosome in 13th chromosome.
- There is a cut mark in the lip and person is mentally retarded