Final answer:
Sex can be determined by examining the sex chromosomes present in somatic cells. Females have two X chromosomes (XX), while males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome (XY). Chromosomal analysis, such as karyotyping, is used to visualize and identify the sex chromosomes in somatic cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sex can be determined by examining the sex chromosomes present in somatic cells. Females have two X chromosomes (XX), while males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome (XY). This difference in sex chromosomes is used to identify whether a somatic cell is from a male or a female.
For example, if a somatic cell has two X chromosomes (XX), it is from a female. If a somatic cell has one X chromosome and one Y chromosome (XY), it is from a male.
Chromosomal analysis, such as karyotyping, can be performed to visualize and identify the sex chromosomes in somatic cells.