How Is Gender Determined in Humans?
Explore how the sperm influences gender determination in humans, shedding light on the role of chromosomes.
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Gender determination in humans is influenced by the sex chromosomes carried by the sperm from the man and the egg from the woman. Men carry XY chromosomes and women carry XX chromosomes. Thus, the sperm determines the gender, as it can carry either an X or a Y chromosome. An X sperm results in a female (XX), and a Y sperm results in a male (XY).
FAQs & Answers
- What chromosomes determine male and female genders? Males carry XY chromosomes while females carry XX chromosomes, determining gender at conception.
- Can gender be influenced by external factors? While chromosomes play a primary role, studies suggest environmental and hormonal factors can influence gender development.
- What role does the sperm play in gender determination? The sperm determines gender by carrying either an X or a Y chromosome, leading to female (XX) or male (XY) offspring.
- Is gender solely determined by genetics? Genetics plays a primary role, but gender expression can also be influenced by environmental factors.