What is barr body in biology?

The somatic cells in females have an extra X chromosome which remains inactive throughout.Generally the sex cell in female have two X-chromosomes , whereas males have one X and one Y chromosome. In case of somatic cells one of the X chromosomes becomes inactive and is called a barr body. Barr body is absent in the genetic material of males.Every time the number ofBarr bodies in a cell is always one less than the number of X chromosome.

For example male with Klinefelter’s syndrome (47XXY genome) will have one barr body. 

FAQ

1. Where is Barr body found? 

The somatic cells in females have an extra X chromosome which remains inactive throughout.Generally the sex cell in female have two X-chromosomes , whereas males have one X and one Y chromosome. In case of somatic cells one of the X chromosomes becomes inactive and is called a barr body. Barr body is absent in the genetic material of males.Every time the number ofBarr bodies in a cell is always one less than the number of X chromosome.

For example male with Klinefelter’s syndrome (47XXY genome) will have one barr body.