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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.  
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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.
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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.
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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.
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[Sexual dimorphism in developmental genetics].

Koji Muroya, Tomonobu Hasegawa

    Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine
    |May 5, 2015
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    This review details the molecular mechanisms of sex determination and differentiation, including a backdoor pathway for dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production and key genes like RSPO1, WNT4, and FOXL2 in ovary development.

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    Area of Science:

    • Molecular Biology
    • Developmental Biology
    • Endocrinology

    Context:

    • Sexual development is a complex process involving genetic and hormonal factors.
    • Gonadal differentiation initiates downstream sexual development.
    • Pubertal changes establish secondary sexual characteristics.

    Purpose:

    • To review current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of sex determination and differentiation.
    • To highlight recent findings on the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) backdoor pathway.
    • To emphasize the roles of RSPO1, WNT4, and FOXL2 in ovarian development.

    Summary:

    • Sex determination and differentiation involve gonadal development, duct systems, external genitalia, and secondary sexual characteristics.
    • A novel backdoor pathway produces dihydrotestosterone (DHT) directly in fetal testes, crucial for male development.
    • Ovary development is an active process regulated by RSPO1, WNT4, and FOXL2, not a default pathway.

    Impact:

    • Provides a comprehensive overview of sex determination and differentiation mechanisms.
    • Advances understanding of androgen synthesis and its role in male development.
    • Clarifies the molecular basis of female gonad development, challenging previous assumptions.