Question

What determines whether a person is male or female?

Answer 1

Biological sex is typically determined by the presence or absence of the Y chromosome, with XY resulting in male and XX resulting in female sex characteristics at birth. Variations such as chromosomal intersex conditions complicate this binary. Differences between biological sex and gender identity can lead to a spectrum of gender expressions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The determination of whether a person is male or female primarily depends on their chromosomes. Specifically, the pair of sex chromosomes that a person has will dictate their biological sex at birth. In general, females possess two X chromosomes (XX), while males carry one X chromosome and one Y chromosome (XY). The presence of the Y chromosome, which contains the SRY gene, triggers a cascade of developmental events resulting in the production of male characteristics and organs. Without the Y chromosome and SRY gene, typical female development occurs.

It is important to note that the biological sex of an individual can be more complex due to variations in chromosome numbers and structures, such as conditions like XXY, XYY, or XO, also known as chromosomal intersex conditions. Additionally, a person's gender identity may not always align with their biological sex, leading to various gender expressions and identities that transcend the traditional male-female binary.

Answer 2

There are 23 pairs of chromosomes in each human cell and the autosomes (chromosome pairs 1-22) determine certain characteristics. However, there is still one more pair of chromosomes and these are called the sex chromosomes and they can either be shaped as XX or XY. The father's chromosome is the chromosome that determines whether it is a boy or girl, and there is an exact 50/50 chance of it being male or female you just need to draw a punnet square.

Hope this helps :)