Biology Answers

QUESTION FIFTEEN: SEX DETERMINATIONA couple has four children, all girls. What are the chances that therenext child will be a boy? Explain your answer.In your answer you should talk about: What chromosomes are needed for a boy to be born Which chromosomes are provided by each parentQUESTION FIFTEEN ANSWER: SEX DETERMINATIONFor Achievement you should give at least 2 facts.Male is XY Female is XXTo be a boy the child needs to have received a Y chromosome (from the father)The father produces equal numbers of sperm carrying either the X or Ychromosome. The mother provides only X chromosomesThe chances are 50%.For Merit you should have a reasonable explanation.Each child is a single and unique genetic event. While random chance could leadto a higher proportion of males and females, there is always a 50:50 chance ofhaving a boy or girl. It depends on whether the sperm that fertilizes the egg hasan X chromosome (girl) or a Y chromosome (boy). Half the sperm provided bythe father has X and half have Y.