How many pairs of chromosomes are responsible for sex determination in dogs if they are diploid? - briefly
In dogs, which are diploid organisms, there is one pair of chromosomes responsible for sex determination. This pair is known as the X and Y chromosomes.
How many pairs of chromosomes are responsible for sex determination in dogs if they are diploid? - in detail
In mammals, including dogs, the number of chromosomes responsible for sex determination is typically one pair out of the total set. Dogs, like humans and most other mammals, are diploid organisms, meaning that their cells contain two sets of chromosomes—one inherited from each parent. This genetic makeup ensures that within a cell, there is a pair of chromosomes for every trait, including those that dictate sex.
For sex determination in dogs, the key lies in the X and Y chromosomes. Female dogs have two X chromosomes (XX), while male dogs have one X and one Y chromosome (XY). This difference is what determines the sexual phenotype of an individual. The presence or absence of a Y chromosome is crucial, as it carries the genetic information necessary for male development.
Thus, in diploid dogs, the pair of sex chromosomes—either XX or XY—is responsible for determining their sex. This single pair of chromosomes out of the total 78 pairs (39 pairs per set) plays a pivotal role in establishing whether a dog will be male or female.