6.1.8 Sex Determination

• 22 control characteristics, and the chromosomes in each pair look very similar
• The 23rd pair carries sex determining genes, and the two chromosomes can look different to each other (Y chromosomes are much smaller than X chromosomes) The two possible chromosomes in the 23rd pair are X chromosomes and Y chromosomes. When cells undergo meiosis to form a gamete, one sex chromosome goes into each gamete.

• Females have two X chromosomes, so therefore only pass on X chromosomes in their eggs.

  

• Males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome, so therefore can pass on X or Y chromosomes in their sperm.

  

Punnett squares can be used to show sex inheritance. There is a 50% chance of the child being male, and a 50% chance of the child being female.