PSYC 2076 Chapter : PSYC 2076 Ch 3 Outline
Document Summary
Genes basic units (smallest) of genetic info. Chapter 3 the start of life: genetics & prenatal development psyc 2076. It starts with the gametes sex cells that form a new cell at conception. Once that one lucky sperm cell penetrates the membrane of the ovum, together they create a zygote new cell formed by process of fertilization. Chromosomes determine everything from hair color and eye color to sex. Whether you are a male or female depends on the presence or absence of certain chromosomes. The male gametes or sperm cells in humans and other mammals are heterogametic - contain one of two types of sex chromosomes. The female gametes or eggs however, contain only the x sex chromosome and are homogamatic. The sperm cell determines the sex of an individual in this case. If a sperm cell containing an x chromosome fertilizes an egg, the resulting zygote will be xx or female.