Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026
11:11
Isolation of Sertoli Cells and Peritubular Cells from Rat Testes
Published on: February 8, 2016
XX germ cells: the difference between an ovary and a testis
1Department of Molecular Genetics, Box 45, The University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism: TEM
|April 15, 2008
Summary
Mammalian sex determination relies on the SRY gene. XX germ cells are crucial for ovarian development, potentially inhibiting male testicular differentiation.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Developmental biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Mammalian gonadal sex determination is primarily regulated by the SRY gene.
- In the absence of SRY, gonadal development defaults to the female (ovarian) pathway.
- Germ cells are increasingly recognized for their roles beyond gamete formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of germ cells in mammalian ovarian development.
- To determine if XX germ cells actively influence gonadal differentiation.
- To explore the potential inhibitory effect of germ cells on testicular differentiation.
Main Methods:
- Ovarian differentiation studies in mammals.
- Germ cell depletion experiments before and after gonadal differentiation initiation.
- Histological analysis of developing gonads.
Main Results:
- Ovarian development requires the presence of both mitotic and meiotic germ cells.
- Depletion of germ cells led to the development of seminiferous cords, a male characteristic.
- This occurred irrespective of whether germ cell depletion happened before or after ovarian differentiation began.
Conclusions:
- XX germ cells play an essential role in promoting ovarian development.
- XX germ cells appear to actively inhibit the development of testicular pathways in the developing ovary.
- Germ cell-somatic cell interactions are critical for correct gonadal sex determination.
Related Concept Videos
01:34What is Meiosis?
Meiosis is the process by which diploid cells divide to produce haploid daughter cells. In humans, each diploid cell contains 46 chromosomes, half from the mother and half from the father. Following meiosis, the resulting haploid eggs or sperm only contain 23 chromosomes; however, each of these chromosomes contains a unique combination of parental information that results from the meiotic process of crossing over.
Although meiosis shares similarities with mitosis—both rely on microtubules to...
Although meiosis shares similarities with mitosis—both rely on microtubules to...
01:36What is Meiosis?
Meiosis is the process by which diploid cells divide to produce haploid daughter cells. In humans, each diploid cell contains 46 chromosomes, half from the mother and half from the father. Following meiosis, the resulting haploid eggs or sperm only contain 23 chromosomes; however, each of these chromosomes contains a unique combination of parental information that results from the meiotic process of crossing over.
01:41Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male reproductive...
01:22Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis is a complex process that involves the development of sperm cells from undifferentiated stem cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. The process is essential for the production of mature and functional sperm cells that are capable of fertilizing an egg.
The process of spermatogenesis can be divided into mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. During mitosis, the spermatogonia or stem cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells, type A and B spermatogonia. Type-A...
The process of spermatogenesis can be divided into mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. During mitosis, the spermatogonia or stem cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells, type A and B spermatogonia. Type-A...
01:19Testes: Gross Anatomy
The testes, also known as testicles, are the male gonads. They are housed within the scrotum, a sac-like structure located beneath the penis. The scrotum's primary role is to regulate the temperature of the testes, which is crucial for sperm production.
Each testis is surrounded by the tunica albuginea, a dense connective tissue layer that provides structural support and protection. This layer is covered by an outer serous membrane called the tunica vaginalis, which helps reduce friction...
Each testis is surrounded by the tunica albuginea, a dense connective tissue layer that provides structural support and protection. This layer is covered by an outer serous membrane called the tunica vaginalis, which helps reduce friction...
01:27Testes: Histology
A tough, fibrous membrane, the tunica albuginea, covers the testes, extending inward to form fibrous partitions or septa, dividing them into internal compartments called lobules. Each lobule has 1 to 3 tightly coiled seminiferous tubules where sperm production occurs. These tubules merge into a tubular network at the back of the testis, known as the rete testis. It connects to 15 to 20 efferent ductules, leading to the epididymis.
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...