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What is X-inactivation and why does it occur?

What is X-inactivation and why does it occur?

X-inactivation ensures that females, like males, have one functional copy of the X chromosome in each body cell. Because X-inactivation is random, in normal females the X chromosome inherited from the mother is active in some cells, and the X chromosome inherited from the father is active in other cells.

What is the definition of X chromosome?

: a sex chromosome that usually occurs paired in each female cell and single in each male cell in species in which the male typically has two unlike sex chromosomes — compare y chromosome.

What does the X-inactivation center do?

The X-inactivation center is a hotbed of functional long non-coding RNAs in eutherian mammals. These RNAs are thought to help orchestrate the epigenetic transcriptional states of the two X-chromosomes in females as well as of the single X-chromosome in males.

Can a man have only X chromosome?

Typically, biologically male individuals have one X and one Y chromosome (XY) while those who are biologically female have two X chromosomes. However, there are exceptions to this rule. The sex chromosomes determine the sex of offspring.

What does Lyonisation mean?

​Lyonization Lyonization is commonly known as X-inactivation. In mammals, males receive one copy of the X chromosome while females receive two copies. To prevent female cells from having twice as many gene products from the X chromosomes as males, one copy of the X chromosome in each female cell is inactivated.

What is Hemizygous condition?

Hemizygous is a condition in which only one copy of a gene or DNA sequence is present in diploid cells. Males are hemizygous for most genes on sex chromosomes, having only one X and one Y chromosome.

Why does Lyonisation occur?

​Lyonization To prevent female cells from having twice as many gene products from the X chromosomes as males, one copy of the X chromosome in each female cell is inactivated.