So, say I get a set of chromosomes from my Mum which contains the X chromosome and the same from my Dad, but with the Y chromosome. I now have two sets of the same 22 chromosomes, plus an X and a Y.

For chromosome number one for example, is everything from my Dad’s side activated? My Mum’s? Or is is a random selection of genes within each chromosome?

And does the X chromosome do anything for me, or is it turned off, and only used if I pass it on to the next generation?

Follow up question: I believe that women actually recombine their X chromosomes when passing these on, but men can’t recombine X and Y. So everything on your Dad’s side stays the same. Does this have any impact? For example are you more likely to inherit genetic defects from your Dad’s side?

  • 𝕽𝖚𝖆𝖎𝖉𝖍𝖗𝖎𝖌𝖍@midwest.social
    2·
    1 month ago

    I didn’t realize I have the same question as OP, and I don’t think you answered it. The question is: how do the gene selections happen? What process decides?

    Not every combination is being tried in the egg during fertilization, right? You describe the outcome, but not how the gene combination selection process happens, and what decides which genes are used.

    • A_A@lemmy.world
      2·
      1 month ago

      You might absolutely be right about the meaning of O.P.s’ (confused) question. But still i hope at least i answered o.k. from this part :

      And does the X chromosome do anything for me, or is it turned off, and only used if I pass it on to the next generation ?

      P.S. : You asked :

      Not every combination is being tried in the egg during fertilization, right ?

      Gene selection is made before the synthesis of the gametes : for instance a male having XY will produce sperms, each one with either an X or with a Y.