barr body is present in

Options

A. Sperm
B. ovum
C. Somatic cell of female
D. Somatic cell of male

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Barr Body**:
- A Barr body is an inactivated X chromosome found in female somatic cells.
- It is a form of dosage compensation that occurs in females, who have two X chromosomes (XX), to ensure that one X chromosome is not overexpressed compared to males (who have one X and one Y chromosome, XY).

2. **Identifying the Options**:
- The options given are:
- A) Sperm
- B) Ovum
- C) Somatic cell of females
- D) Somatic cell of males

3. **Analyzing Each Option**:
- **Option A: Sperm**:
- Sperm cells are male gametes and are haploid, containing either an X or a Y chromosome. Since they have only one chromosome, there can be no Barr body present.
- **Option B: Ovum**:
- The ovum is a female gamete and is also haploid, containing only one X chromosome. Therefore, there is no Barr body present in the ovum.
- **Option C: Somatic cell of females**:
- Female somatic cells contain two X chromosomes. One of these X chromosomes becomes inactivated and forms a Barr body. Thus, Barr bodies are present in female somatic cells.
- **Option D: Somatic cell of males**:
- Male somatic cells have one X and one Y chromosome (XY). Since there is only one X chromosome, there can be no Barr body present.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the analysis, the correct answer is **C) Somatic cell of females**, as Barr bodies are formed from the inactivation of one of the two X chromosomes present in female somatic cells.