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Related Concept Videos

The Ratio of X Chromosome to Autosomes02:45

The Ratio of X Chromosome to Autosomes

In most organisms, sex is determined by the ratio of X and Y chromosomes. However, in some organisms, such as Drosophila and C.elegans, sex is determined by the ratio of the number of X chromosomes to the number of sets of autosomes. The Y chromosome in Drosophila is active but does not determine sex. It contains genes responsible for the production of sperms in adult flies.  
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female Drosophila...
Dosage Compensation02:50

Dosage Compensation

In animals, gender is determined by the number and type of sex chromosome. For example, human females have two X chromosomes, and males have one X and one Y chromosome, whereas C.elegans with one X chromosome is a male, and the one with two X chromosomes is a hermaphrodite.
In addition to sexual development, the X chromosome has genes involved in autosomal functions such as brain development and the immune system. Therefore, males and females with  distinct numbers of X chromosomes will have...
X and Y Chromosomes02:32

X and Y Chromosomes

Among mammals, the gender of an organism is determined by the sex chromosomes. Humans have two sex chromosomes, X and Y. Every human diploid cell has 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes. A human female has two X chromosomes, while a male has one X chromosome and one Y chromosome.
The germline cells such as egg and sperm cells carry only half the number of chromosomes, i.e., 22 autosomes and one sex chromosome. All eggs have an X chromosome, while sperm cells can carry an X or...
Trihybrid Crosses02:27

Trihybrid Crosses

Trihybrid Crosses
Some of Mendel’s crosses examined three pairs of contrasting characteristics. Such a cross is called a trihybrid cross. A trihybrid cross is a combination of three individual monohybrid crosses. For example, plant height (tall vs. short), seed shape (round vs. wrinkled), and seed color (yellow vs. green).
The F1 generation plants of a trihybrid cross are heterozygous for all three traits and produce eight gametes. Upon self-fertilization, these gametes have an equal chance to...
The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness02:19

The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness

The Y chromosome is a sex chromosome found in several vertebrates and mammals, including humans. In addition to 22 pairs of autosomes, the human males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. In these organisms, the presence or absence of the Y chromosome determines the development of male traits.
Evolution
Around 300 million years ago, the two sex chromosomes diverged from two identical autosomal chromosomes. Over time, the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes, shrinking in size. Today,...
Understanding Species and Reproductive Barriers01:17

Understanding Species and Reproductive Barriers

A species is a group of organisms that interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Typically, individuals of the same species appear similar and share common characteristics due to their highly similar genomes. However, not all organisms that look alike are members of the same species. Various mechanisms keep most species discrete. While some mechanisms prevent reproductive behavior and fertilization (pre-zygotic isolation), others prevent the production of fertile offspring after mating has...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Manipulation of Ploidy in Caenorhabditis elegans
07:54

Manipulation of Ploidy in Caenorhabditis elegans

Published on: March 15, 2018

46,XX/SRY-negative true hermaphrodite.

Alexis Parada-Bustamante1, Rafael Ríos, Mauricio Ebensperger

  • 1Institute of Maternal and Child Research, School of Medicine, University of Chile, and Endocrinology Department, San Borja-Arriaran Clinical Hospital, Santiago, Chile.

Fertility and Sterility
|May 11, 2010
PubMed
Summary

This case study details a 46,XX true hermaphrodite with SRY-negative status. Letrozole therapy was ineffective in managing hormonal imbalances in this phenotypic male with bilateral ovotestes.

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Measuring Sperm Guidance and Motility within the Caenorhabditis elegans Hermaphrodite Reproductive Tract
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Last Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Manipulation of Ploidy in Caenorhabditis elegans
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Published on: March 15, 2018

Laboratory Maintenance of the Lower Dipteran Fly Bradysia (Sciara) coprophila: A New/Old Emerging Model Organism
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Measuring Sperm Guidance and Motility within the Caenorhabditis elegans Hermaphrodite Reproductive Tract
10:07

Measuring Sperm Guidance and Motility within the Caenorhabditis elegans Hermaphrodite Reproductive Tract

Published on: June 6, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Endocrinology
  • Genetics
  • Pediatric Surgery

Background:

  • True hermaphroditism is a rare disorder of sex development characterized by the presence of both ovarian and testicular tissue.
  • Phenotypic males with 46,XX karyotype and SRY-negative status present unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Observation:

  • A 19-year-old phenotypic male with 46,XX/SRY-negative true hermaphroditism presented with hypospadias, micropenis, and cryptorchidism.
  • Genetic analysis confirmed a 46,XX/SRY-negative karyotype with bilateral ovotestes.
  • Initial hormonal evaluation revealed elevated estradiol and low testosterone levels.

Findings:

  • Surgical management involved unilateral gonadectomy of an ovotestis and conservative surgery on the contralateral gonad.
  • Letrozole therapy, an aromatase inhibitor, was initiated to address hormonal imbalances.
  • While letrozole transiently increased testosterone, it did not normalize estradiol levels and was deemed inadequate for managing this condition.

Implications:

  • Conservative gonadal surgery in true hermaphroditism should prioritize complete resection of all ovarian tissue.
  • Letrozole is not an effective treatment for hormonal dysregulation in 46,XX true hermaphrodite males with ovotestes.
  • This case highlights the complexity of managing disorders of sex development and the need for individualized treatment strategies.