In X-inactivation, an X chromosome is compacted (or, as my intro bio professor liked to say, “crumpled up into a ball”), to make a small, dense structure called a Barr body. Most of the genes on the Barr body are inactive, meaning that they are not transcribed.

Does X-inactivation result in a Barr body?

In X-inactivation, an X chromosome is compacted (or, as my intro bio professor liked to say, “crumpled up into a ball”), to make a small, dense structure called a Barr body. Most of the genes on the Barr body are inactive, meaning that they are not transcribed.

How do you test for Barr bodies?

A buccal smear is a test where cells are taken from the cheek. Cells are collected by scraping the cheek with a cotton swab. The cells can be used for genetic testing, as well as evaluated for the presence of Barr bodies (a mass seen in a normal female sex chromosome).

What does the presence of Barr body indicate?

Inactivated X chromosomes seen in female somatic cells are called Barr-bodies which are present adjacent to the nuclear membrane. Condensed state of densely stained chromatin signifies that in such cases DNA replication occurred at the later stage of S phase of cell cycle.

What determines which X chromosome inactivation?

X-chromosome inactivation occurs randomly for one of the two X chromosomes in female cells during development. Inactivation occurs when RNA transcribed from the Xist gene on the X chromosome from which it is expressed spreads to coat the whole X chromosome.

What is Barr body in cytology?

Barr body is a deeply stained condensed chromatin material seen in the nuclei of females, which is taken as a vital tool in the identification and determination of sex of the individual. Various staining techniques can be used for their demonstration.

What is ax inactivation?

Early in embryonic development in females, one of the two X chromosomes is randomly and permanently inactivated in cells other than egg cells. This phenomenon is called X-inactivation or lyonization. X-inactivation ensures that females, like males, have one functional copy of the X chromosome in each body cell.

What is Barr body 12?

Barr bodies are condensed inactive X chromosomes in a female somatic cell and is used to verify that an individual is genetically female. Since Barr body is a condensed chromatin due to inactive X- chromosome, it is chromatin positive.

How are Barr bodies usually classified?

Barr bodies are attached to the nuclear lobe by a single narrow stalk, which distinguishes them from other thicker projections, sometimes referred to as “clubs.” Since Barr bodies are the morphological expression of the inactivated X chromosome, Barr bodies (one per neutrophil) can be seen in up to 3% of the …

Where is a Barr body seen?

Barr Bodies can be found in various biological samples such as hair, buccal cells, and blood. Since women have two X chromosomes, one being inactivated, a single Barr Body is present in female mammal cells while males typically have no Barr Body present since they have only one X chromosome.