What is the genetic mechanism that determines whether a child is male or female?
The genetic mechanism that determines whether a child is male or female is referred to as sexual differentiation. This process is determined by a person’s sex chromosomes, specifically the X and Y chromosomes. A person’s sex is determined at conception, when a sperm cell containing either an X or Y chromosome fertilizes an egg. If the sperm contains an X chromosome it will combine with the X chromosome of the egg, forming an XX genotype, which will typically develop into a female. If the sperm contains a Y chromosome, it will combine with the X chromosome of the egg, forming an XY genotype, which will typically develop into a male.
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