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FACTS OF LIFE |
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Gender of a baby is basically determined by the type of
Sperm [male Gametes] that first fertilize the Ovum [egg]. Sperm produced
by man are made up of a mixture of both the X and Y sperm and due to
their unique characteristics, the sperm are commonly known as ‘Hardy X’ and
‘Speedy Y’ and the ratio is almost invariably 50/50:
-
Hardy
X
This
female-bearing, oval-headed X-sperm
[Gynesperm] are relatively bigger, slower and live much longer. They have far
greater staying power against the hazards of the vaginal environment and they
can survive up to 5-6 days.
Speedy
Y
The
male-bearing , round-headed Y-sperm
[Androsperm] are relatively smaller but have a longer tail that make them faster
and more agile. However, they do not live long and in most cases, Y-Sperm will
die within 2 days.
During a sexual intercourse, some 100 – 300 million sperm are typically ejected into vagina and about 5% will make it to the neck of the womb [Cervix]. It is here sperm get into contact with Cervical Mucus [CM] and a process called capicitation will take place in which the sperm cap [aerosome] is removed. Only when this happened is the sperm capable of penetrating the Ovum, which is waiting suitably emplaced in the Fallopian Tubes. Within 5 -10minutes after ejaculation, the egg may be fertilized by one of the sperm that has survived this incredible journey. Conception takes place in Fallopian Tubes. The successful sperm loses its tail on entering the egg and its head becomes the a second nucleus in the cell, called Pronucleus. It lies alongside the females Pronucleus for a few hours before they fuse together in fertilization. A mature egg allow only one sperm to penetrate it and then immediately put up a chemical barrier which prevent other sperm from entering ... download GenderLabs™ for more information
Gender
the baby is genetically determined by the chromosome of the sperm and the
formula is a straightforward XX for a girl, XY for a boy: -
If
a man’s X-sperm fertilizes the Ovum, a girl will be conceived X
Ovum + X-sperm = XX = Girl
X
Ovum + Y-sperm = XY = Boy
How
does the presence of Y-chromosome assigns maleness to a developing foetus? In
actual fact, the foetus remains in a sexual limbo and waiting to see what sex it
will be even 6-7 weeks after fertilization. A fertilized embryo has the
potential of becoming either sex as it contains the rudiment of testicles and
ovaries. The testes await a chemical signal from the Y-sperm to kick them into
action, the male Y-chromosome contains a tiny gene which produce a putative
chemical message [arbitrarily called the ‘Testis Determining Factor’]. On
receipt of this message , the testes produce a sudden spurt of Progesterone
which stimulate the production of penis and scrotum. Thus it is ensured that
male sexual characteristics proceed and female development is sternly
suppressed.
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