Lecture 4 Flashcards
Reproductive Development:
the formation, from conception to adulthood, of sexual characteristics specific to the sex of an individual
Sexual Characteristics(2)
Primary = gonads
Prenatal
Secondary = all other sexually dimorphic characteristics
Internal and external genitalia
Variation in body structure, physiology, function
Two major stages of development
Pre- and postnatal
Pubertal
Sexual Dimorphism(3)
Morphism: the form of a structure or substance
Dimorphism: having two different forms
Sexual Dimorphism: having two different forms, one for each of two sexes
Sexual Differentiation
Differentiation: the process of going from a non-specific state (monomorphic) to a specific state
Sexual Differentiation: the process of going from a sexually monomorphic state to a sexually dimorphic state
Undifferentiated (Bipotential) Fetal Reproductive Structuresat Approximately Six Weeks Development
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Primary (Gonadal) Sex Determination is Chromosomal
Y chromosome = SRY gene = ♂ = testes
No Y chromosome = no SRY gene = ♀ = ovaries
Many Genes on Different Chromosomes are involved in Primary Sex (gonadal) Differentiation (short list)
X = ATRX; Dax1
Y = SRY
Overview of Genetics of Gonad Formation
Testes form around week seven.
Ovaries form around week sixteen.t
SRY present?
If SRY is present, TESTES form around week seven. The testes begin to produce and secrete TESTOSTERONE. If no SRY is present, OVARIES form. Ovaries form around week sixteen.
Proper Development of the Ovary Needs Autosomal Genes
Genes needed
Wnt4 (Chromosome 1) to prevent male characteristics in gonad
Gdf9 (Chromosome 5) and FoxL2 (Chromosome 3) are required for proper follicular development
Two copies of DAX1 (X-Chromosome) yield ovaries even in the presence of SRY
Two X-chromosomes are needed for fully functional ovaries
Differentiation of Bipotential Gonad
Primordial Germ Cells become Oogonia or Spermatogonia
Primordial Germ Cells (PGCs) develop OUTSIDE of the embryo, but migrate to (invade) the gonad once gonadal sex is determined.
Hormones of Sex Differentiation
Androgens
Testosterone: secreted by Leydig cells of testis 5α-Dihydrotestosterone (DHT): testosterone is converted to DHT at the cells on which it acts
AntiMüllerian Hormone (AMH); aka Müllerian Inhibiting Hormone (MIH, MIS, MRF): secreted by Sertoli cells
If Androgens & AMH present….
If androgens and AMH are present, structures are male.If no androgens or AMH, structures are female.
SRY & DAX1?
SRY = testis determining factor DAX1 = 2 copies are needed to form ovaries
Anatomical Homologies
Structures are “homologous” in two different sexes (or two different species) if they develop from the same embryonic tissue/structure.
In two different species, they represent common ancestry.