Sex determination is the process that determines whether a newborn will be a male or a female. In humans, sex is determined by genetic factors — specifically, the sex chromosomes inherited from the parents. This topic explains the chromosomal basis of sex determination in humans.
Definition
Sex determination means that a newborn would be a male baby like father or female baby like the mother. The mechanism of sex determination in humans is controlled by genetic factors, specifically the sex chromosomes.
Main Idea
Humans have two types of sex chromosomes: X and Y. The combination of these chromosomes inherited from the parents determines the biological sex of the individual.
Females: XX
Males: XY
Core Concept
Sex Chromosomes in Humans
Gender
Sex Chromosome Pair
Type
Female
XX
Homogametic
Male
XY
Heterogametic
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