Question

If an 'X' chromosome-bearing sperm fertilizes an egg, what will be the sex of the child?

Hint:

The male parent determines the biological sex of the human child, as only sperm carry the defining 'Y' chromosome.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Sex determination in humans is governed by the XY chromosome system.
Females have two X chromosomes (XX) and males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
A human egg (ovum) always carries an 'X' chromosome because females can only pass on an 'X'.
A human sperm can carry either an 'X' or a 'Y' chromosome.
If an 'X' bearing sperm fertilizes the 'X' bearing egg, the resulting zygote will have an 'XX' genetic constitution.
Individuals with an 'XX' genotype develop into biological females.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The sex of the child will be female.