SEX CHROMATIN Meaning and
Definition
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Sex chromatin, also known as Barr bodies, refers to the condensed structure found in the nucleus of cells that carry genetic information related to an individual's sex. Specifically, they are seen in the somatic cells of females and are formed from one of the two X chromosomes present in every cell, as females have two X chromosomes (XX) as opposed to males who have one X and one Y chromosome (XY).
The sex chromatin appears as a dark-stained mass or a small, oval-shaped structure, which is generally located near the nuclear periphery. It is mainly observed in cells that are in the interphase stage and usually absent in actively dividing cells. Confirmed through microscopic examination, the presence of sex chromatin can be utilized for sex determination of an individual at a cellular level.
The formation of sex chromatin occurs due to a process known as X-chromosome inactivation, which is an essential event in female cellular development. It involves the transcriptional silencing and condensation of one of the X chromosomes in each cell, compensating for the dosage difference between males and females. This process enables female cells to have only one active X chromosome, preventing an excess of X-linked gene expression. As a result, the inactivated X chromosome becomes the sex chromatin or Barr body. However, it is important to note that certain cells, such as oocytes and granulosa cells, exhibit an exception to this pattern and retain two active X chromosomes.
Common Misspellings for SEX CHROMATIN
- aex chromatin
- zex chromatin
- xex chromatin
- dex chromatin
- eex chromatin
- wex chromatin
- swx chromatin
- ssx chromatin
- sdx chromatin
- srx chromatin
- s4x chromatin
- s3x chromatin
- sez chromatin
- sec chromatin
- sed chromatin
- ses chromatin
- sex xhromatin
- sex vhromatin
- sex fhromatin
Etymology of SEX CHROMATIN
The word "sex chromatin" is a scientific term used to refer to the condensed portion of DNA found in the nuclei of cells, often used to determine gender or sex. Its etymology can be broken down as follows:
1. Sex: This term originated from Middle English "sex", which referred to the biological distinction between males and females. It has its roots in Latin "sexus", meaning "state of being male or female" or "gender". Ultimately, the Latin term can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*swek-", meaning "to follow a series or line".
2. Chromatin: The term "chromatin" comes from the Greek word "chroma", meaning "color", and the suffix "-in" used in scientific nomenclature. It was coined by the German anatomist and physiologist, Walther Flemming, in the late 19th century.
Similar spelling words for SEX CHROMATIN
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