Why is the father's role considered clearer in determining the sex of a human child?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Because a father’s sperm can carry either an X or a Y chromosome
In the usual human XX–XY system, every egg produced by the mother carries an X chromosome. A father produces two types of sperm: some carry X and some carry Y. Fertilisation by an X-bearing sperm gives XX, while fertilisation by a Y-bearing sperm gives XY. Thus the sperm determines whether the zygote is XX or XY, making option A correct. This does not mean that the father controls the outcome consciously.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Because a father’s sperm can carry either an X or a Y chromosome
Why is this the correct answer?
In the usual human XX–XY system, every egg produced by the mother carries an X chromosome. A father produces two types of sperm: some carry X and some carry Y. Fertilisation by an X-bearing sperm gives XX, while fertilisation by a Y-bearing sperm gives XY. Thus the sperm determines whether the zygote is XX or XY, making option A correct. This does not mean that the father controls the outcome consciously.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Heredity and Evolution. Topic: Sex determination.
Student feedback
Was this question useful?
👍 0 Helpful 👎 0 Not helpful
Yes 0% No 0%
0 responsesStudent Reviews
No published reviews yet.
