2.Sex Determination Flashcards
What is a heterogametic individual?
An individual that is able to produce gametes that differ in their sex, chromosomes e.g. human males.
Why are men more likely to suffer from sex linked disorders?
Men only need to inherit one affected allele, whereas women need to inherit two affected alleles.
What is X-chromosome an activation?
X chromosome inactivation is a process by which most of one X-chromosome is inactivated
Why does X-chromosome inactivation occur?
X-chromosome, inactivation prevents a double dose of gene products which could be harmful to cells.
What part of the X chromosome is inactivated?
The portions of the X chromosome that are lacking on the Y chromosome.
What are the main features of hermaphroditic organisms?
Individuals have functioning male and female reproductive organs.
What are examples of hermaphrodites?
Slugs, snails, barnacles, and most plants
What is the benefit to the individual hermaphroditic organism?
If the chance of encountering a partner is rare, there is no requirement for that partner to be of the opposite sex.
What are the factors that can change sex with an individuals of some species?
Size, competition, parasitic infection and temperature
