Genes Shaping Sex
What factors drive how genes are expressed differently in males and females to create the distinct male and female phenotypes?
Gene expression differences between males and females that lead to distinct phenotypes stem from various biological, genetic, and hormonal factors. Here’s an overview of some primary drivers:
1. Sex Chromosomes (X and Y)
- Males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY), while females have two X chromosomes (XX). The presence or absence of the Y chromosome is one of the main drivers of sexual differentiation.
- The Y chromosome contains genes like SRY (Sex-determining Region Y), which initiates male development. SRY expression leads to the formation of testes, which in turn produce male hormones like testosterone.
2. Hormonal Influence
- Hormones, particularly sex hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone, influence gene expression across various tissues. These hormones bind to specific receptors that interact with DNA, affecting transcription in a tissue-specific manner…
Gene expression differences between males and females that lead to distinct phenotypes stem from various biological, genetic, and hormonal factors. Here’s an overview of some primary drivers:
1. Sex Chromosomes (X and Y)
- Males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY), while females have two X chromosomes (XX). The presence or absence of the Y chromosome is one of the main drivers of sexual differentiation.
- The Y chromosome contains genes like SRY (Sex-determining Region Y), which initiates male development. SRY expression leads to the formation of testes, which in turn produce male hormones like testosterone.
2. Hormonal Influence
- Hormones, particularly sex hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone, influence gene expression across various tissues. These hormones bind to specific receptors that interact with DNA, affecting transcription in a tissue-specific manner…
Gene expression differences between males and females that lead to distinct phenotypes stem from various biological, genetic, and hormonal factors. Here’s an overview of some primary drivers:
1. Sex Chromosomes (X and Y)
- Males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY), while females have two X chromosomes (XX). The presence or absence of the Y chromosome is one of the main drivers of sexual differentiation.
- The Y chromosome contains genes like SRY (Sex-determining Region Y), which initiates male development. SRY expression leads to the formation of testes, which in turn produce male hormones like testosterone. Genes Shaping Sex
2. Hormonal Influence
- Hormones, particularly sex hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone, influence gene expression
