Sex Determination

• Humans have 23 PAIRS OF CHROMOSOMES, and 22 of the pairs determine a persons characteristics.
• The 23RD PAIR, known as the SEX CHROMOSOMES, determine an individual's sex.

• MALES have one X and one Y chromosome (XY), and the Y chromosome triggers the development of male characteristics.

• FEMALES have two X chromosomes (XX), and this combination allows for the development of female characteristics.

GENETIC DIAGRAMS AND SEX DETERMINATION

• Genetic diagrams, such as PUNNETT SQUARES, illustrate how chromosomes from each parent combine to determine the sex of the offspring.
• In these diagrams, the male's gametes (sperm) can carry either an X or a Y chromosome, while the female's gametes (eggs) always carry an X chromosome.

• This results in a 50:50 RATIO of potentially having a male (XY) or female (XX) offspring.