Role of chromosomes and hormones

Question 1

Role of chromosones

Answer 1

23 pairs, last one determines sex
Females XX, Males XY (y =has the dick hanging down)
If sperm carries X baby girl, if Y is a boy

Question 2

Sex determining region Y (SRY)

Answer 2

Is carried by Y gene in sperm, causes testes to develop which produce androgens (male sex hormones) and makes the baby develop into male

Question 3

Role of hormones

Answer 3

Hormones cause development of reproductive organs whilst in womb
During puberty more hormonal activity triggers development of secondary sexual characteristics e.g. boobs and deeper voice

Question 4

Testosterone

Answer 4

Male hormone, controls development of sex organs
Human and animal studies have shown influence of increased T on aggressive behaviour
Female rats injected with T became more physically and sexually aggressive

Question 5

Oestrogen

Answer 5

Female hormone, determines female sexual characteristics and menstruation
Some experience heightened emotionality during cycle, pre-menstrual tension/syndrome (PMT/PMS) - diagnosable disorder

Question 6

Oxytocin

Answer 6

Women produce more, especially during childbirth and it stimulates lactation
Reduces stress hormone and makes bonding easier
During childbirth makes new mothers feel love for baby, as men produce less has lead to stereotype that they’re less interested in intimacy
Evidence that both sexes produce equal amount during kissing and sex ;)

Question 7

Role of hormones evaluation

Answer 7

Evidence supports role of chromosomes and hormones- Dabbs found in a prison those with higher T levels. Van Goozen studied trans people doing HRT, trans women reduced aggression, trans men showed opposite

Contradictory evidence- Double blind study, 43 males given weekly injection of testosterone or placebo. No significant differences in aggression found after 10 weeks

Objections to pre-menstrual syndrome- Stereotypes female experience, claims PMS social construction, dismiss womens feelings by explaining in biological terms

Oversimplifies complex concept- Ignore alternative explanations of gender development e.g. cognitive development and psychodynamic- childhood experiences