Random X inactivation in female placental mammals

One X chromosome is randomly inactivated in each nucleus. Descendant cells maintain the initial inactivation, leading to clusters of descendant cells with the same X chromosome. M represents the maternally derived X chromosome and P the paternally derived X chromosomeOne X chromosome is randomly inactivated in each nucleus. Descendant cells maintain the initial inactivation, leading to clusters of descendant cells with the same X chromosome. M represents the maternally derived X chromosome and P the paternally derived X chromosome

Inactive Active X ~‘ Barr body Active X chromosome chromosome Descendant Tissue development Descendant cells with an cells with an active paternal X chromosome (P) are shown in blue active maternal X chromosome (M) are shown in pink