What role do sex chromosomes play in an organism?

What role do sex chromosomes play in an organism?

• A. Determine the organism's maturity
• B. Determine the organism's height
• C. Determine the organism's sex
• D. Determine the organism's color

Answer: (C)

Sex chromosomes play a critical role in determining the sex of an organism. In many species, including humans, there are specific chromosomes called X and Y chromosomes that are responsible for this determination. Typically, individuals with two X chromosomes are female, while those with one X and one Y chromosome are male. This chromosomal system directly influences the development of sexual characteristics and reproductive systems in organisms. The other options, while they may involve genetic factors, are governed by different sets of genes and mechanisms unrelated to sex chromosomes. For instance, maturity, height, and color are influenced by various autosomal genes and environmental factors, rather than specifically determined by the sex chromosomes. Therefore, the primary function of sex chromosomes is to determine the sex of the organism.

Sex chromosomes play a critical role in determining the sex of an organism. In many species, including humans, there are specific chromosomes called X and Y chromosomes that are responsible for this determination. Typically, individuals with two X chromosomes are female, while those with one X and one Y chromosome are male. This chromosomal system directly influences the development of sexual characteristics and reproductive systems in organisms.

The other options, while they may involve genetic factors, are governed by different sets of genes and mechanisms unrelated to sex chromosomes. For instance, maturity, height, and color are influenced by various autosomal genes and environmental factors, rather than specifically determined by the sex chromosomes. Therefore, the primary function of sex chromosomes is to determine the sex of the organism.