Sex determination in mammals Flashcards
When do the gonads become determined/specified?
7 weeks after fertilisation
What is the elusive testis-determining factor?
The SRY gene
What is the fate of cortical epithelial cells in the testis and the ovary?
In the testis, the cortical epithelial cells differentiate into the Sertoli cells.
In the ovary, the cortical epithelial cells differentiate into the Granulosa cells.
What is the fate of interstitial mesenchyme in the testis and in the ovary?
In the testis, the interstitial mesenchyme differentiates into the Leydig cells.
In the ovary, the interstitial mesenchyme differentiates into the Thecal cells.
What are the two cell types of the indifferent gonad?
Cortical epithelial cells.
Interstitial mesenchyme.
From what cell type are the granulosa cells of the ovary derived?
The cortical epithelial cells.
From what cell type are the sertoli cells of the testis derived?
The cortical epithelial cells.
From what cell type are the leydig cells of the testis derived?
The interstitial mesenchyme.
From what cell type are the thecal cells of the ovary derived?
The interstitial mesenchyme.
Where is the SRY gene located?
Yp11.13
What is Turner syndrome?
45 chromosomes, only 1 X = female.
What is Klinefelter syndrome?
47 chromosomes, XXY = male.
What kind of transcription factor is SRY?
HMG-box transcription factor.
List 3 putative targets of SRY?
Sox9, MIS, p450 aromatase.
Is Sox9 an autosomal or sex gene?
Autosomal.
