Assertion (A) > : In human beings, the females play a major role in determining the sex of the offspring. Reason (R) > : Women have two- X chromosomes.

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Q: 127 (IAS/2000)

Assertion (A) : In human beings, the females play a major role in determining the sex of the offspring.
Reason (R) : Women have two- ‘X’ chromosomes.

question_subject: 

Science

question_exam: 

IAS

stats: 

0,114,48,34,7,7,114

keywords: 

{'chromosomes': [4, 1, 0, 1], 'females': [4, 3, 4, 1], 'offspring': [1, 1, 1, 2], 'sex': [4, 2, 1, 1], 'women': [9, 8, 22, 46], 'human beings': [4, 1, 0, 2]}

The correct answer is "A is false, but R is true."

The sex of the offspring in human beings is determined by the combination of sex chromosomes inherited from both parents. While it is true that women have two X chromosomes (XX), the major role in determining the sex of the offspring lies with the male.

Human males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome (XY). The presence of the Y chromosome determines the development of male characteristics. If a sperm carrying an X chromosome fertilizes the egg, the resulting offspring will be female (XX). If a sperm carrying a Y chromosome fertilizes the egg, the resulting offspring will be male (XY).

Therefore, the presence or absence of the Y chromosome in the sperm determines the sex of the offspring. The female`s contribution is always an X chromosome, but it is the male`s contribution that determines whether the resulting offspring will be male or female.

Hence, while the reason (R) is true, the assertion (A) is false as females alone do not play a major role in determining the sex of the offspring.

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