The role of chromosomes and hormones

Question 1

name the 2 biological influences of gender development

Answer 1

chromosomes
hormones

Question 2

In relation to chromosomes, summarise in five points about the process from conception to puberty

Answer 2

1. Genetic makeup is fixed at conception, where the genes determine you biological sex and the production of hormones that affects your gender (sense of m-ness or f-ness)
2. 6-8 weeks all foetus have undeveloped sex organs, SRY gene dictates the future development
3. SRY gene produces protein TDF that influences gonads to develop which become testes (that produces testosterone and trigger external male organs)
4. female development is due to the absence of SRY gene, leading to development of Mullerian System into female sex organs
5. Puberty begins when the hypothalamus releases a hormone, that affects the anterior Pituitary gland, this makes gonads active and secondary sexual characteristics develop

Question 3

Explain how the hormone Oxytocin can influence gender development

Answer 3

Oxytocin, produced in pituitary gland, is the love hormone that promotes feelings of bonding in m and f
- needed in breastfeeding and in stress it dampens the f or f response, by triggering the tend and befriend response
Testosterone dampens the effects of oxytocin in men

Question 4

explain how testosterone has influential affects prenatally and postnatally

Answer 4

Prenatal affects of testosterone is the development of genitalia
Postnatally affects brain development and responsible for secondary sexual characteristics

Question 5

Explain how Oestrogen affects gender development prenatally and postnatally

Answer 5

prenatally no hormones are needed for direct genitalia development
Postnatallly oestrogen plays a major role as it promotes secondary sexual characteristics and triggers menstrual cycle (increase blood supply in uterus in preparation for pregnancy and to maintain it during the pregnancy

Question 6

Describe the five stages of the general m and f development

Answer 6

1. Embryo is conceived
2. Gonads develop at 6 weeks
3. Gonads produce hormones
4. Hormones affect prenatal brain development
5. Hormones affect behaviour after birth

Question 7

describe the 5 stages specifically the males experience

Answer 7

1. Have XY sex chromosomes when embryo is conceived
2. At 6 weeks the gonads developed become testes
3. Gonads produce the hormone testosterone
4. Testosterone prenatally affects the brain as it increases their visual-spatial skills
5. Behaviour postnatally is more masculine

Question 8

describe the five stages that females have when developing

Answer 8

1. have XX sex chromosomes when embryo is conceived
2. At 6 weeks the gonads that developed become ovaries
3. the gonads produce the hormone oestrogen
4. the prenatal brain development for females is that their have better verbal skills
5. The postnatal affects due to the oestrogen leads to nurturing behaviours

Question 9

name one brain difference in girls and boys

Answer 9

Females have smaller hypothalamus sizes than males

Question 10

Money

Question 11

reimers case study summarised

Question 12

money and earhart

Question 13

Who is affected by turner syndrome and what chromosomal structure do they have and 1 in how many can have it

Answer 13

Turners affects females due to the missing X, so they have an XO structure, where 1 in 2000 has it

Question 14

list 5 physical characteristics of Turners

Answer 14

• webbed neck, low ears
• below average in height
• no menstrual cycle
• no breasts develop at puberty and have a shield chest
• look physically immature

Question 15

list 5 psychological characteristics of Turners

Answer 15

• Higher average of reading ability
• but below average in spatial awareness
• poor visual memory
• socially more immature
• struggle relating to others

Question 16

Who is affected by Klinefelter’s syndrome and what is the chromosomal structure, one in how many

Answer 16

males are affected by klinefelters and they have an extra X chromosome, so have XXY chromosomal structure, where 1 in every 750 males have it

Question 17

List 5 physical characteristics of Klinefelter’s

Answer 17

• Reduced body hair
• infertile
• rounder body contour
• gangly limps
• breasts

Question 18

list 5 psychological characteristics of klinefelter’s

Answer 18

• Poor development of langauge skills
• poor reading ability
• shy, passive, lack interest in sexual activity
• do not respond well to stress
• often exhibit executive functioning (memory and problem solvin)