Sex determination

Question 1

How chromosomes contribute:

Answer 1

• 22 control characteristics and the chromosomes in each pair look similar
• 23rd pair carries sex determining genes which can look different. They are X and Y chromosomes.

Question 2

X and Y chromosomes:

Answer 2

• Y chromosomes are much smaller than X
• females have 2 X chromosomes (so can only pass an X in their eggs)
• males have an X and a Y chromosome (so can pass X or Y in their sperm)

Question 3

Gender statistic:

Answer 3

There is a 50% chance of the child being male and a 50% chance for female