Question

How is sex determined in human beings?

Answer 1

In humans, sex is determined by the XX-XY chromosomal pattern. Humans possess 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes." The female has two homomorphic (= isomorphic) sex chromosomes called XX. The males have two heteromorphic sex chromosomes, XY. Female oocytes have equivalent chromosomal types (22 + X). As a result, girls are homogametic. Human males produce two types of male gametes or sperm: gynosperms (22 + X) and androsperms (22 + Y). Human males are hence heterogametic. The sex of the offspring is determined at fertilisation. Fertilisation of the egg (22 + X) with a gynosperm (22 + X) results in a female child (44 + XX), whereas fertilisation with an androsperm (22 + Y) results in a male child (44 + XY). Because the two types of sperm are produced in equal quantities, there is an equal possibility of having a male or female child in a given pairing. The Y-chromosome, which defines an individual's male sex, is also known as the androsome.