How is a Baby's Sex Determined: Genetics Explained

Find out how a baby's sex is determined by chromosomes during conception. Learn the science behind it.

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A baby's sex is determined by the chromosomes contributed by the parents. Typically, a mother provides an X chromosome, while a father can contribute either an X or a Y chromosome. If the baby receives an XX combination, it will be a girl; if it receives an XY combination, it will be a boy. This process happens at the moment of conception and is a natural part of genetic inheritance.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What determines if a baby is male or female? A baby's sex is determined by the combination of chromosomes from the parents, with XX leading to a girl and XY to a boy.
  2. Can parents influence their baby's sex? The sex of a baby is determined by natural genetic inheritance and cannot be influenced by parents.
  3. What chromosomes do mothers and fathers contribute? Mothers contribute an X chromosome, while fathers can contribute either an X or a Y chromosome.
  4. When is a baby's sex decided? A baby's sex is established at the moment of conception based on the chromosomes carried by the sperm and egg.