The Role of Chromosomes and Hormones Flashcards
Define Chromosomes:
Found in the nucleus of living cells carrying information in the form of genes
Which chromosome determines biological sex?
23rd pair
What is a gene?
Short sections of DNA that determine the characteristics of a living thing
What are male chromosomes?
XY
What are females chromosomes?
XX
What gene causes testes to develop?
RY gene
SRY gene produces…
Androgen
What androgen?
Male sex hormones to produce testes,
Define genitals:
External sex organs
Difference between female/male genitals?
- male = penis
- female = vagina
Main hormone for females?
Oestrogen and progesterone (produced in ovaries)
Main hormone for males?
Testosterone (produced in testes)
Describe :Case of David Reimer
- Twin boys Brian and Bruce born in 1965
- Psychologist John Money believed gender identity was based on NURTURE rather than nature.
- Bruce was brought up as a girl called Brenda
- But suffered psychologically and emotionally
- When told of being male she went back to living as a man
- Committed suicide in 2004
What do women produce much larger amounts of?
Oxytocin
What occurs at puberty?
Burst of hormonal activity triggering development of secondary sexual characteristics