GSD

Gametogenic Sex Determination is the process by which the physical and genetic sex is determined by
the chromosomes contributed through sperm and egg of the new individual organism's parents.

In reptiles and amphibians, this process follows one of two possible pathways:

       1. Heterogametic male/Homogametic female (XY/XX)
OR
       2. Heterogametic female/Homogametic male (ZW/ZZ)

Since both sperm and egg can only carry one of the parent's two sex chromosomes, there is always a
50/50 chance of an offspring being either male or female regardless of the pathway. In XY
gametogenic sex determination, the male's sperm cells will determine the sex of the offspring. In ZW
gametogenic sex determination, the female's egg cell will determine the sex of the offspring.


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		Reptile and Amphibian Genetic and Non-Genetic Sex-Determination Factors

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page last updated January 8, 2006 all images are the property of Randy G. Bradley-Campbell and may not be reproduced without permission

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