Developmental Psychology: Sex Cell Stages

Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of the science of genetics?

The analysis of population dynamics and evolution

The exploration of psychological factors in familial relationships

The study of heredity and inherited factors affecting development (correct)

The study of environmental influences on development

Which principle suggests that no two individuals are exactly alike?

Principle of Chance

Principle of Variation (correct)

Principle of Dominance and Recessiveness

Principle of Reproduction

Under which condition is a recessive gene expressed?

When paired with another dominant gene

When present as a single allele

When paired with another recessive gene (correct)

When paired with a dominant gene

Which statement correctly describes a dominant gene?

It overrides the expression of a recessive gene when paired together. Signup and view all the answers

What role does chance play in the transmission of hereditary traits?

It significantly influences genetic recombination and inheritance. Signup and view all the answers

What are the stages of sex cell development for the female sex cell?

Maturation, ovulation, and fertilization Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the process of maturation in sex cell development?

To halve the number of chromosomes through meiosis Signup and view all the answers

During which stage does the ovum escape from the ovary?

Ovulation Signup and view all the answers

What event occurs approximately 14 days after the beginning of a woman's menstrual period?

Fertilization is most likely to occur Signup and view all the answers

What structure assists in moving the ovum through the fallopian tube?

Cilia Signup and view all the answers

How many immature ova does a girl have at birth?

About 400,000 Signup and view all the answers

What must happen for fertilization to occur successfully?

One sperm must dissolve the protective layer of the ovum Signup and view all the answers

What defines the zygote?

The first cell formed after fertilization of sperm and ovum Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the uterus if the egg is not fertilized?

The lining is shed due to decreased progesterone. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the cervical mucus during ovulation?

To facilitate sperm movement into the uterus. Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the female reproductive system serves as the birth canal?

Vagina Signup and view all the answers

How does the labia minora differ from the labia majora?

The labia minora are inner folds and contain erectile tissue. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the clitoris considered the most sensitive point for female sexual stimulation?

It contains a high number of nerve endings. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the hymen?

To partially cover the vaginal opening. Signup and view all the answers

What can occur if fecal bacteria are inadvertently wiped towards the female reproductive openings?

Risk of bacterial infections. Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate size of the uterus in a nulliparous woman?

7 cm long by 4 to 5 cm wide. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic unit of heredity that contains hereditary material passed from biological parents to children?

Gene Signup and view all the answers

How many chromosomes does a typical human cell contain?

46 Signup and view all the answers

Which process results in the formation of gametes with half the number of chromosomes?

Meiosis Signup and view all the answers

What are the chromosomes that determine the sex of an individual called?

Gonosomes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a dominant trait?

Curly hair Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of DNA in the cell?

To carry genetic instructions for protein synthesis Signup and view all the answers

During which process does a zygote undergo numerous divisions to develop into a human baby?

Mitosis Signup and view all the answers

What type of traits are blue eyes and hemophilia considered?

Recessive traits Signup and view all the answers

What determines the sex of a child at conception?

The type of sperm that fertilizes the ovum Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Turner’s Syndrome?

Absence of one female sex chromosome Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is associated with the presence of an extra female sex chromosome in boys?

Klinefelter’s Syndrome Signup and view all the answers

Which chromosomal abnormality is commonly known as trisomy 21?

Down’s Syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of boys with Klinefelter’s Syndrome?

Sterility Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely survival outcome for a zygote with only a male chromosome (OY)?

Never survives Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following chromosomal abnormalities results in low IQ and tall stature in males?

XYY Syndrome Signup and view all the answers

How can a chromosomal abnormality lead to developmental issues?

By failing to separate chromosomes during cell division Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Stages of Sex Cell Development

Female sex cell development includes three stages: maturation, ovulation, and fertilization.
Male sex cell development comprises two stages: maturation and fertilization.
Maturation involves meiosis, where chromosome count reduces from 46 to 23.
Ovulation is the release of a mature ovum from the ovary into the fallopian tube, unique to females.
Fertilization occurs when sperm and ovum merge to form a zygote, typically around 14 days post-menstrual cycle.

Process of Fertilization

Women experience ovulation approximately every 28 days, releasing an ovum via ruptured follicle.
The ovum is transported to the uterus through the fallopian tube, aided by cilia.
Sperm travels from the vagina through the cervix to meet the ovum but faces a challenging acidic environment.
Sperm must penetrate the ovum’s protective layer; fertilization succeeds with one sperm.

Female Reproductive System

At birth, females have around 400,000 immature ova housed in follicles within two ovaries.
Ovulation continues monthly until menopause; each cycle prepares for potential fertilization.
If fertilization does not occur, the unfertilized ovum disintegrates, causing the shedding of the endometrium.
The uterus, about 7 cm long and 4-5 cm wide in nulliparous women, can expand significantly during pregnancy.
The cervix secretes variable mucus, aiding or blocking sperm based on menstrual cycle phases.

Vagina and External Genitalia

The vagina serves as both a sperm repository and birth canal and has openings distinct from the urinary tract.
The genital area’s exterior includes labia minora (inner folds) and labia majora (outer folds), with sensitive erectile tissues.
The clitoris, containing many nerve endings, is crucial for female sexual stimulation.

Male Reproductive System

Hygiene in the glans/prepuce area in uncircumcised males is essential to reduce cancer risk.
The male reproductive system primarily includes structures for sperm production and delivery.

Mechanisms of Heredity

Genetics, the study of heredity, examines how traits are passed from parents to offspring.
Genetic makeup influences various characteristics such as skin color, health, and personality.

Principles of Heredity

Reproduction principle asserts that similar traits in parents lead to similar traits in offspring.
Variation principle highlights that no two individuals are identical; differences can vary greatly.
Chance plays a significant role in trait transmission, impacting appearance and health.
Dominance and recessiveness determine trait expression in offspring; dominant traits mask recessive ones.

Genetic Characteristics

Dominant traits include brown eyes, curly hair, and normal vision.
Recessive traits encompass blue eyes, albinism, and color blindness.
Each human cell contains approximately 100,000 genes made of DNA, crucial for biological functions.

Chromosomes

Normal somatic cells possess 46 chromosomes, organized in 23 pairs; gametes (sperm and ovum) contain 23 single chromosomes.
At fertilization, the zygote formed has 46 chromosomes: 23 from each parent, ensuring genetic diversity.
Meiotic division results in unique gene combinations, except in monozygotic twins.

Determination of Sex

The sex of the child is determined by whether an X or Y chromosome from the sperm fertilizes the ovum.
XX results in a female and XY results in a male offspring.

Chromosomal Abnormalities

Errors during gamete formation can lead to conditions such as Turner’s Syndrome (XO), Klinefelter’s Syndrome (XXY), and Down’s Syndrome (trisomy 21).
Turner’s Syndrome affects females, causing short stature and developmental delays.
Klinefelter’s Syndrome results in males being sterile and having certain developmental challenges.
Down’s Syndrome leads to intellectual disabilities due to an extra chromosome 21.
XYY males may exhibit tall stature and low verbal IQ tendencies.

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Description

This quiz explores the stages of sex cell development in humans, focusing on the differences between female and male cells. It covers the processes of maturation, ovulation, and fertilization for females, as well as the maturation and fertilization for males. Test your knowledge and understanding of these critical biological processes.