The Role Of Chromosomes And Hormones In Sex And Gender

Question 1

What is a chromosome?

Answer 1

Carry all genetic information for an organism. The biological sex chromosome is the 23rd.

Question 2

what are hormones?

Answer 2

Chemical substances in the blood that have a major influence on gender development.

Question 3

Explain the role of chromosomes in gender development.

Answer 3

A biological female is XX and a biological male is XY. It is the presence or absence of a Y chromosome which determines biological sex. Around 3 months after conception the genetic info on Y chromosome triggers development of tested. W/o this the embryo develops ovaries and a ‘female brain’.

Question 4

Explain the role of testosterone in gender development.

Answer 4

Androgen hormone produced by both sexes but only 10% in females. At around 3 months the testes of an XY foetus produce testosterone which causes male sex organs and a ‘male brain’ to develop. At puberty, testosterone causes the development of secondary male sexual characteristics.

Question 5

What is a ‘male brain’?

Answer 5

Associated with areas linked to spatial skills, competitiveness and aggressiveness.

Question 6

What is the role of oestrogen in gender development?

Answer 6

Female hormone but males produce it in small amounts. Oestrogen creates a ‘female brain’ and at puberty creates secondary sexual characteristics and the menstrual cycle.

Question 7

What is a ‘female brain’?

Answer 7

The two hemispheres are used equally, associated with sensitivity, cooperation, emotionality and irritability.

Question 8

Describe the role of oxytocin in gender development.

Answer 8

Females produce in much higher quantities particularly at specific times like childbirth. Promotes feelings of calmness, contentment and bonding. It dampens the fight or flight response to a tend and befriend rep she. Also influences other female behaviours like monogamy, mate selection and ‘nesting’ behaviour.

Question 9

Give SCIP of the role of chromosomes and hormones.

Answer 9

S: female monkeys given testosterone prenatally and found they behaved like males - more aggressive and more rough and tumble play. (Can’t extrapolate data).
C: several apparently female members of the Batista family developed male characteristics at puberty. Found they have androgen insensitivity syndrome. They overcame biology as they were content as girls.
I: biological reductionism and determinism, nativist approach
P: hormone replacement therapy