Question

an ovum that lacks a sex chromosome is fertilized by a \y\ sperm. this results in...

○ a superfemale

○ downs syndrome

○ non viable offspring

○ a supermale

Explanation:

To determine the result, we analyze the chromosome composition:

• A normal ovum has one X chromosome. Here, the ovum lacks a sex chromosome (so has 0 sex chromosomes), and the sperm contributes a Y.
• The resulting zygote would have a Y chromosome but no X chromosome. Human development requires at least one X chromosome for viability (since many essential genes are on the X). Thus, the offspring would not be viable.
• A superfemale has multiple X chromosomes (e.g., XXX), Down’s syndrome is due to an extra chromosome 21, and a supermale has XYY (which still has an X). So these options are incorrect.

Answer:

C. non viable offspring