role of chromosomes + hormones in sex and gender a01

Question 1

What are chromosomes and how many pairs

Answer 1

Carry information in the form of genes and are formed in the nucleus of living cells, 23 pairs, female is XX and male is XY

Question 2

how is the sex of a child determined

Answer 2

egg carries X chromosome so sperm determines it as it carries an X or Y chromosome at fertilisation

Question 3

Y chromosome

Answer 3

Carries sex determining gene which causes the production of androgens (male sex hormones)
-causes an embryo to develop as a male biologically and without this, the embryo develop female biological characteristics

Question 4

what happened before birth in the womb (role of hormones in sex and gender)

Answer 4

hormones affect development of brain and other reproductive organs

Question 5

testosterone

Answer 5

an androgen controls development of male sex organs which begins to be produced at around eight weeks of foetal development
-at puberty a surge of chromosomes develop into secondary characteristics such as pubic hair

Question 6

Oestrogen

Answer 6

female hormone that determines female sexual characteristics and menstruation, besides physical changes, this can cause women to experience heightened emotionality and irritability during their cycle (PMS)

Question 7

Oxytocin

Answer 7

Women produce large amounts particularly during childbirth as the hormone stimulates lactation making breastfeeding possible, reduces stress hormone cortisol and facilitates bonding, referred as the love hormone, released in massive quantities during labour and childbirth making new mothers feel in love with their babies