In History, kings used to divorce their aueens for only producing daughter offspring. Based on your knowledge of genetics, why was this an incorrect move?
2007-02-04 13:50:11 · 5 answers · asked by britney's account is now HOL 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Chromosomes are the main elements in determining sex. Two of the 46 chromosomes that determine the structure of a human being are identified as the sex chromosomes. These two chromosomes are called "XY" in males, and "XX" in females, because the shapes of the chromosomes resemble these letters. The Y chromosome carries the genes that code for masculinity, while the X chromosome carries the genes that code for femininity.
The formation of a new human being begins with the cross combination of one of these chromosomes, which exist in males and females in pairs. In females, both components of the sex cell, which divides into two during ovulation, carry X chromosomes. The sex cell of a male, on the other hand, produces two different kinds of sperm, one that contains X chromosomes and the other Y chromosomes. If an X chromosome from the female unites with a sperm that contains an X chromosome, then the baby is female. If it unites with the sperm that contains a Y chromosome, the baby is male.
In other words, a baby's sex is determined by which chromosome from the male unites with the female's ovum.
2007-02-04 13:55:29 · answer #1 · answered by Neha B 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Men (the King) have an X and a Y chromosome. They can only pass down one of the two to their offspring. If the King passes an X chromosome he will have a daughter. If the King passes down a Y chromosome he will have a son.
The Queen has 2 X chromosomes so she can only pass down an X chromosome to her offspring.
2007-02-04 21:55:30 · answer #2 · answered by Herbie 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
One English king , Henry VIII, tried to have his marriage to Catherine of Aragon annulled because she failed to produce a male heir and he thought it was God's punishment for marrying his brother's widow. When the Pope refused to grant an annullment for political reasons, Henry declared himself head of the Church in England and divorced Catherine to marry Anne Boleyn. His second divorce from Anne of Cleves had nothing to do with an heir.
Up to that time there had been no Queen regnant in England. Mary Tudor was the first. Matilda, the mother of Henry II should have been queen but her cousin Stephen of Blois was given the throne instead as he was male. After the death of Edward VI, Jane Grey was declared queen but Mary successfully claimed the title nine days later.
As far as Henry VIII was concerned, he wanted a male heir as the line of succession was then guaranteed. At that time a female sucsessor was likely to lead to internal wars and challenges. This happened with both Mary and Elizabeth.
Genetics played no part in the line of succession in the monarchy of England and no other kings divorced their wives for failing to produce an heir.
2007-02-04 22:04:22 · answer #3 · answered by tentofield 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cuz it's the man's sperm that determines the sex of the kids.
2007-02-04 21:54:41 · answer #4 · answered by kris 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
because it is his fault that the egg was not fertilized "male"
2007-02-04 21:57:47 · answer #5 · answered by undercovernudist 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋