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Multiple Choice
All female mammals have one active X chromosome per cell instead of two. What causes this phenomenon?
A
Random inactivation of one X chromosome in each cell during early embryonic development
B
Deletion of one X chromosome in all somatic cells
C
Suppression of X-linked gene expression by autosomal genes
D
Selective activation of both X chromosomes in every cell
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that female mammals have two X chromosomes, but only one is active in each somatic cell to balance gene expression with males, who have only one X chromosome.
Recognize that this process is called X-chromosome inactivation, which ensures dosage compensation between males and females.
Know that X-chromosome inactivation occurs early in embryonic development and is random, meaning either the maternal or paternal X chromosome can be inactivated in each cell.
Realize that the inactivated X chromosome condenses into a structure called a Barr body, effectively silencing most of its genes.
Conclude that the phenomenon is caused by the random inactivation of one X chromosome in each cell during early embryonic development, not by deletion or suppression by autosomal genes.