Question

: Who Determines the Sex of a Baby?
In humans, each parent contributes genetic information to their child. This genetic information is stored in structures called chromosomes, which are found inside every cell. Humans normally have 23 pairs of chromosomes, for a total of 46. One of these pairs is called the sex chromosomes, because they help determine whether a baby will be male or female.
Sex chromosomes come in two types: X and Y.
• A female has two X chromosomes (XX).
• A male has one X chromosome and one Y chromosome (XY).
Each parent gives one of their sex chromosomes to their offspring. Because the mother has XX, she can only pass on an X chromosome to her child. The father, who has XY, can pass on either an X or a Y chromosome.
• If the father’s sperm cell carries an X chromosome, the child will have XX, which results in a female.
• If the father’s sperm cell carries a Y chromosome, the child will have XY, which results in a male.
This means the father’s chromosome determines the sex of the child. The combination of chromosomes occurs by chance, and neither parent controls which chromosome is passed on.
Even though sex chromosomes influence whether a baby is male or female, the development of reproductive organs and traits happens gradually during growth. Scientists also recognize that biological sex is determined through genetics and developmental processes, and variations can occur, such as when a person is born with an extra chromosome.
Understanding sex chromosomes helps us see how traits are passed down from parents to children and how genetics plays a major role in human development.
Multiple-Choice Questions: Who Determines the Sex of a Baby?
1. Where is genetic information stored in the human body?
A. Muscles
B. Chromosomes
C. Skin cells only
D. The heart
2. How many pairs of chromosomes do humans normally have?
A. 12
B. 20
C. 23
D. 46
3. What are sex chromosomes responsible for?
A. Determining eye color
B. Determining a baby’s sex
C. Determining food allergies
D. Determining blood type only
4. Which chromosome combination belongs to a biological female?
A. XY
B. XX
C. YY
D. XZ
5. Which chromosome combination belongs to a biological male?
A. XX
B. XY
C. YY
D. ZZ
6. What chromosome can the mother pass on to her child?
A. X only
B. Y only
C. X or Y
D. Neither


7. What chromosomes can the father pass on to his child?
A. X only
B. Y only
C. X or Y
D. None
8. If the father’s sperm cell carries an X chromosome, the child will be:
A. XY (male)
B. YY (male)
C. XX (female)
D. XZ (unknown)
9. According to the passage, who determines the sex of the child?
A. The mother
B. The father
C. Both equally
D. The child
10. What can cause variations in biological sex according to the passage?
A. Lack of chromosomes
B. Developmental errors in the lungs
C. Being born with an extra chromosome
D. Eating unhealthy foods

Answer 1

1. B
2. C
3. B
4. B
5. B
6. A
7. C
8. C
9. B
10. C