Concept explainers
In chickens, a key gene involved in sex determination has recently been identified. Called DMRT1, it is located on the Z chromosome and is absent on the W chromosome. Like SRY in humans, it is male determining. Unlike SRY in humans, however, female chickens (ZW) have a single copy while males (ZZ) have two copies of the gene. Nevertheless, it is transcribed only in the developing testis. Working in the laboratory of Andrew Sinclair (a co-discoverer of the human SRY gene), Craig Smith and colleagues were able to “knock down” expression of DMRT1 in ZZ embryos using RNA interference techniques (see Chapter 18). In such cases, the developing gonads look more like ovaries than testes [Nature 461: 267 (2009)]. What conclusions can you draw about the role that the DMRT1 gene plays in chickens in contrast to the role the SRY gene plays in humans?
Want to see the full answer?
Check out a sample textbook solutionChapter 7 Solutions
Concepts of Genetics (11th Edition)
- Sexual differentiation begins close to 4 weeks after fertilization, but cannot be seen visually until about 6 weeks post fertilization. All fetuses begin with a ______________________ gonad that is able to become either ovaries or testes, depending on the presence or absence of the Y chromosome. If the Y chromosome is present, a region of the Y chromosome will begin expressing genes that start the process of masculinization of internal structures. This region is known as the ______________________________ region or ___________ for short. The expression of these genes causes the bipotential gonad to develop into the testes. Once the testes have started developing, two hormones, testosterone and Anti-MüllerianHormone are produced. Testosterone causes the _____________________ ducts to develop into the _____________________. Testosterone also causes the internal development of the __________________ and __________________. Anti-Müllerian Hormone causes the ______________________ ducts…arrow_forwardIt is estimated that in about 1/150,000 births, an individual is born with 46 chromosomes, both an X and a Y chromosome, but is externally a phenotypic female at birth. A mutation in the gene for which protein is the most likely explanation for this condition? A. Chorionic gonadotropin B. Anti-Müllerian hormone receptor C. Testes determining factor D. Wolffian regression factor (WRF) E. Estrogen receptor βarrow_forwardWhat will be the effect on sexual development in newly fertilized Drosophila embryos if the following genes are deleted? Q. sex-lethalarrow_forward
- Draw a Punnett square. cross an XX woman with an XY man. How many kinds of eggs can a woman produce in terms of their sex chromosomes? How many kinds of sperm cells can men produce in terms of their sex chromosomes? In any given fertilization event, what is the chance that a child will be XX? XY? In any given fertilization event, what is the chance that a child will be male? Female?arrow_forwardWhat will be the effect on sexual development in newly fertilized Drosophila embryos if the following genes are deleted? Q. doublesexarrow_forwardThe Amami spiny rat (Tokudaia osimensis) lacks a Y chromosome, yet scientists at Hokkaido University in Japan have reported that key sex-determining genes continue to be expressed in this species. Provide possible explanations for why male differentiation can still occur in this mammalian species despite the absence of a Y chromosome.arrow_forward
- A primary oocyte divides to give rise to a secondary oocyte and a first polar body. The secondary oocyte then divides to give rise to an ovum and a second polar body. Q. Is the genetic information found in the first polar body identical with that found in the secondary oocyte? Explain your answerarrow_forwardFill in the blank. Maternal effect occurs because proteins and RNA specified by maternal genes accumulate in the _____ of the oocyte and influence the early development of the embryo.arrow_forwardWhich of the following is NOT one of the events leading to male sex-determination in humans? The Wolffian ducts are degraded. TDF and SF1 stimulate transcription of SOX9. Testosterone is produced, which stimulates the development of male reproductive structures and other male secondary characteristics. Mullerian-Inhibiting Hormone (MIH) is produced. The SRY gene is expressed to produce Testes-Determining Factor (TDF).arrow_forward
- Which of the following could explain how might a human having the XX sex chromosomes can develop as a male? Both of his X chromosomes become inactivated giving rinse to a male. The autosomal Sox9 gene is inactivated in the male. This is not possible. His father suffered a chromosomal translocation in the reproductive cells that moved the SRY region to the X chromosome. The ratio of X chromosomes to haploid sets of chromosomes has been altered.arrow_forwardThe vast majority of mRNA placed into the developing oocyte do NOT get translated until afterfertilization – how does this happen?arrow_forwardA highly talented 22-year-old female college athlete has just qualified to compete in the Summer Olympics. However, when she is required to undergo laboratory testing to measure testosterone levels, she is informed that she will not be permitted to compete because her testosterone levels are “too high for a female athlete”. Further medical and genetic testing reveal that she has a condition known as Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome. She promptly hires an attorney to appeal the decision. A. What is the chromosomal sex of this female athlete? B. If she were subjected to a cytological test for the presence of a Barr body or bodies, what would typically be found on such a test performed on an individual having this condition? Please EXPLAIN why this is the case.arrow_forward