The role of chromosomes and hormones

• What is the role of hormones in the body?

  They control and regulate the activity of certain cells or organs.
• How do chromosomes and hormones influence gender?

  Chromosomes determine a person's sex, while hormones can influence gender.
• What role do hormones play prenatally?

  They cause the development of the reproductive organs.
• What triggers the development of secondary sexual characteristics at puberty?

  Hormonal activity triggers the development of secondary sexual characteristics.
• What are androgens?

  They are hormones produced in males, with testosterone being the best known.
• How do males and females differ in hormone production?

  Males produce androgens in larger quantities, while females produce them in smaller amounts.
• What is testosterone?

  It is a hormone from the androgen group produced mainly in male testes.
• When does testosterone begin to be produced?

  It begins to be produced at about 8 weeks gestation.
• What is the association of testosterone with behavior?

  It is associated with aggressiveness.
• What did Nanne Van de Poll et al (1988) find regarding testosterone and aggression?

  Female rats injected with testosterone showed more physical and sexual aggression than normal female rats.
• What are the effects of testosterone on various body systems?

  • Muscle: Increases mass and strength
  • Skin: Promotes facial and body hair growth, supports collagen
  • Bone: Maintains bone density
  • Brain: Influences sex drive, positive well-being, aids cognition and memory
  • Male Sex Organs: Affects prostate growth, sperm production, and erectile function
  • Bone Marrow: Increases red blood cell production
• What is oestrogen?

  It is the primary female hormone important for the menstrual cycle and reproductive system.
• What role does oestrogen play in female characteristics?

  It determines female sexual characteristics and regulates menstruation.
• What emotional effects are associated with oestrogen during the menstrual cycle?

  It may cause high emotions and irritability during the menstrual cycle.
• What is PMS?

  PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome, which includes symptoms like fatigue and headaches.
• How has PMS been used in legal contexts?

  It has been used as a defense in crimes such as shoplifting and murder.
• What is oxytocin?

  It is a hormone that causes the uterus to contract during labor and stimulates lactation.
• What is the role of oxytocin during labor?

  It allows women to breastfeed and reduces the stress hormone cortisol.
• How does oxytocin affect stress responses in women?

  It dampens the fight-or-flight response and triggers the tend-and-befriend response.
• Why do men produce less oxytocin?

  Testosterone dampens the effects of oxytocin in men.
• How do both sexes produce oxytocin during intimate activities?

  Research shows that both sexes produce it in roughly the same quantities during love-making activities.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the role of chromosomes and hormones in sex and gender?

  Strengths:

  • Supported by research such as the case of David Reimer
  • Highlights biological influences on gender identity

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Some researchers dispute the influence of hormones on behavior
  • May overlook social and environmental factors
• Who was David Reimer?

  He was a boy whose penis was burnt off during circumcision and raised as a girl.
• What did Dr. Money believe about David Reimer's case?

  He believed that David should be brought up as a girl despite his biological sex.
• What is the definition of chromosomes?

  They are found in the nucleus of living cells and carry information in the form of genes.
• What determines biological sex in humans?

  The 23rd pair of chromosomes determines biological sex.
• How many pairs of chromosomes are typically found in the human body?

  There are 23 pairs of chromosomes in the human body.
• How many chromosomes are generally found in the human body?

  There are generally 46 chromosomes in the human body.
• What type of chromosome do all normal egg cells produced by a human ovary have?

  All normal egg cells have an X chromosome.
• What are the chromosome combinations for females and males?

  Females have XX chromosomes and males have XY chromosomes.
• What gene does the Y chromosome carry that is crucial for male development?

  The Y chromosome carries the SRY (sex determining region Y) gene.
• What is the composition of sperm in terms of X and Y chromosomes?

  Half of the sperm carry an X chromosome and half carry a Y chromosome.
• How is the baby's sex determined?

  The baby's sex is determined by the sperm that fertilizes the egg.
• What does the SRY gene cause to develop in an XY embryo?

  The SRY gene causes testes to develop in an XY embryo.
• What do the testes produce that influences male development?

  The testes produce androgens, which cause the embryo to become male.
• What happens to an embryo without the influence of androgens?

  Without androgens, the embryo becomes female.
• What can disrupt the basic pattern of sex determination?

  Sometimes this basic pattern is disrupted, resulting in atypical sex patterns.