Normal human cells contain 46 chromosomes
in 23 pairs. We receive 23 chromosomes from each of our parents. The first 22 pairs of chromosomes are exactly the same for
men and women. The 23rd pair determines our sex.
A female has two "X" chromosomes, whereas a male has an "X" and a "Y."
As such, the woman can only pass an X to her child in her egg.
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The man passes either the X or the Y in the sperm, therefore
determining the sex of the child.
This Web site will attempt to explain what happens with extra
chromosomes, embryo screening in the womb, Possible birth defects fixed by embryo screening and where embryo screening might
go in the future.
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