Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

hi,
i've a question about the function of chromosomes in human being.


THE SPERM AND EGG OF A MAMMAL (SAY HUMAN) HAS A HAPLOID SET OF CHROMOSOMES. DURING FERTILIZATION THE TWO HAPLOID SETS COMBINE TO GIVE A DIPLOID ZYGOTE, WHICH DEVELOPS IN TO AN INDIVDUAL.NOW, THE HAPLOID SET OF CHROMOSOME IN EITHER THE EGG OR THE SPERM HAS THE SAME TRAIT AS IN THE OTHER. FOR EXAMPLE, IF THE GENE CODING FOR HAIR COLOUR IS PRESENT IN THE FIRST CHROMOSOME OF THE EGG THEN IT'LL ALSO BE PRESENT IN THE FIRST CHROMOSOME OF THE SPERM. HENCE THE INFORMATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT IS THE SAME ,BOTH WHEN THERE IS A HAPLOID SET OR A DIPLOID SET.SO IS IT POSSIBLE FOR A SPERM OR AN EGG TO DEVELOP IN TO AN INDIVDUAL IN THE ABSENCE OF THE OTHER,ASSUMING THE GENOMIC IMPRINTING EFFECTS TO BE NULL.

that's a long one,i know. but i had to say everythin for a clear understanding.
bye...

Hi,

How does this relate to your science fair project? If you give us more information we're more likely to be able to help you.

Several things to ask yourself as you research your question: is genetic material all that's needed for proper development? /Is/ every gene in the sperm also present in the egg? How do mammals that get one fewer copy of a chromosome--or too many copies--develop?

Hi,

So the main part of your question is "is it possible for a sperm or an egg to develop into an individual in the absence of the other"?
In order to answer this try looking up the term "parthenogenesis".
This is a process that occurs in some non-vertebrates and reptiles but remember your question relates to mammals.

This is actually a very tricky question because it then says "assuming the genomic imprinting effects to be null." Have you checked what "genomic imprinting" means? Then read the first post in this series and it may help you give a complete answer to your question.
http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/showthread.php?t=19155

This is a hot area given the ethical dilemmas of embryonic stem cells but it seems like a very advanced question for a high school student

-Caroline