When cows have twin calves of unlike sex (fraternal twins), the female twin is usually sterile and has masculinized reproductive organs. This calf is referred to as a freemartin. In cows, twins may share a common placenta and thus fetal circulation. Predict why a freemartin develops.
Table of contents
- 1. Introduction to Genetics51m
- 2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
- 3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
- 4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
- 5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
- 6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
- 7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
- 8. DNA Replication1h 10m
- 9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
- 10. Transcription1h 0m
- 11. Translation58m
- 12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
- 13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
- 14. Genetic Control of Development44m
- 15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
- 16. Transposable Elements47m
- 17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
- 18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- 19. Cancer Genetics29m
- 20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
- 21. Population Genetics50m
- 22. Evolutionary Genetics29m
6. Chromosomal Variation
Chromosomal Mutations: Aneuploidy
Problem 16
Textbook Question
Indicate the expected number of Barr bodies in interphase cells of individuals with Klinefelter syndrome, Turner syndrome, and karyotypes 47, XYY, 47, XXX, and 48, XXXX.

1
Understand the concept of Barr bodies: Barr bodies are inactivated X chromosomes in cells of individuals with more than one X chromosome. The number of Barr bodies is equal to the total number of X chromosomes minus one (since one X chromosome remains active).
Analyze Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY): Individuals with Klinefelter syndrome have two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome. Use the formula (number of X chromosomes - 1) to determine the number of Barr bodies.
Analyze Turner syndrome (45,X): Individuals with Turner syndrome have only one X chromosome. Use the formula (number of X chromosomes - 1) to determine the number of Barr bodies.
Analyze 47,XYY and 47,XXX karyotypes: For 47,XYY, there is one X chromosome and two Y chromosomes, so calculate the number of Barr bodies using the formula. For 47,XXX, there are three X chromosomes, so calculate the number of Barr bodies using the same formula.
Analyze 48,XXXX karyotype: Individuals with 48,XXXX have four X chromosomes. Use the formula (number of X chromosomes - 1) to determine the number of Barr bodies.

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
1mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Barr Bodies
Barr bodies are inactivated X chromosomes found in the cells of individuals with more than one X chromosome. In females, typically one X chromosome is active while the others are condensed into Barr bodies. This process is crucial for dosage compensation, ensuring that gene expression levels are balanced between males (XY) and females (XX).
Recommended video:
Guided course
Other Chromatin Modifications
Klinefelter Syndrome
Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic condition in males characterized by the presence of an extra X chromosome, resulting in a karyotype of 47,XXY. Individuals with this syndrome typically have one Barr body in their interphase cells, as one X chromosome is inactivated while the other remains active. This condition can lead to various physical and developmental traits.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Human Sex Chromosomes
Turner Syndrome
Turner syndrome occurs in females who have a missing or incomplete X chromosome, resulting in a karyotype of 45,X. In these individuals, there are no Barr bodies since there is only one X chromosome present, which remains active. This syndrome can lead to various developmental issues and is characterized by short stature and other physical features.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Human Sex Chromosomes
Related Videos
Related Practice
Textbook Question
1032
views