The role of chromosomes and hormones in sex and gender

Question 1

hormones involved in biological sex development

Answer 1

• oestrogen
• testosterone
• oxytocin

Question 2

Chromosomal atypical patterns

Answer 2

Klinefelters syndrome:
- males born with an extra X chromosome = XXY instead of XY
Turrners Syndrome:
- females born with a missing X chromosome = X instead of XX

Question 3

Klinefelters syndrome - psychological characteristics

Answer 3

• poorly developed language and reading skills
• shy and socially introverted
• struggle to manage stress
• struggle with intellectual skills

Question 4

Klinefelters syndrome - physical characteristics

Answer 4

• broader hips and longer legs
• larger breasts
• weaker bones
• smaller penis and testicles
• lower energy level
• delay in puberty
• less facial and body hair

Question 5

Turners syndrome - psychological characteristics

Answer 5

• higher than normal reading ability
• poor spatial mathematical and visual memory skills
• social immaturity (find it hard to fit in)

Question 6

Turners syndrome - physical characteristics

Answer 6

• webbed neck
• short 4th and 5th metacarpal bones
• widely spaced nipples
• lymphodema of hands

Question 7

Intersex conditions

Answer 7

• Androgen insensitivity syndrome
• Congenital insensitivity hyperplasia

Question 8

Androgen insensitivity syndrome

Answer 8

does not respond to testosterone during gestation

Question 9

Congenital insensitivity hyperplasia

Answer 9

high levels of testosterone during gestation

Question 10

Limitations

Answer 10

Cultural dfferences
- Batisza family raise children as girl (genetically male) - cultural expectations about gender can make it easier to be more gender fluid

Question 11

Strength

Answer 11

real world applications
- genetic testing enables certain individuals such as those with Turner’s syndrome to be identified early so they can be given supplements to help them develop secondary sexual characteristics