37.6k views
5 votes
Which of the following does not inactivate an X chromosome?

a) Mammals
b) Drosophila
c) C. elegans
d) Marsupials

User Jlam
by
7.7k points

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

In mammals, one of the two X chromosomes in each cell inactivates by condensing into a Barr body, and the genes on the inactive X chromosome are not expressed. This process is random, but all cells descended from a cell with inactivated X chromosome will have the same inactive X chromosome. Mammals do not inactivate an X chromosome.

Step-by-step explanation:

X inactivation is a process that occurs in female mammals, including humans, to compensate for the double genetic dose of the X chromosome. One of the two X chromosomes in each cell inactivates by condensing into a Barr body, and the genes on the inactive X chromosome are not expressed. This process is random, but once inactivation occurs, all cells descended from that cell will have the same inactive X chromosome. Among the given options, mammals do not inactivate an X chromosome.

User Scott Coates
by
7.8k points