Discuss biological influences on gender.

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Discuss biological influences on gender

There are many factors that determine whether we are male and female. For example genetic differences, females inherit X chromosomes from their father giving them a genetic make-up of XX, while males inherit a Y chromosome from their father, thus giving them a genetic make-up of XY.

During the first six weeks of pre-natal development, every foetus develops identically. However, if a Y chromosome is inherited, the gene called SRY produces a protein called ‘testis-determining factor’, which turns the developing gonads into testicles.  However, with an absence of the Y chromosome, would results in an absence in male hormones and this could mean that ovaries are developed.  The first hormone to be released by the testes is called the anti-Mullerian hormone, which prevents the further development of female sex organs. Androgens are then produces and this masculinises the male foetus by stimulating the development of male sex organs. It is the absence of male sex hormones, rather than the presence of female hormones that leads to the development of complete female sex organs. Therefore, if your genes which stimulate hormones are XX you should develop into a female and if you have XY chromosomes, then you should develop into a male.  

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However, the case of pseudo-hermaphrodites may refute the theory of biological factors on gender development. True hermaphrodites are born with both male and female genitalia and are therefore both sexes to some extent. Pseudo-hermaphrodites are chromosomally one sex but appear physically as the opposite sex. This means that there must have been the wrong hormones must have been stimulated in order for different sex organs to be produced.

Also, there is evidence that shows that that there is more than just biological influences on gender. Daphne Went, for example is chromosomally male but has female genitalia (androgen insensitivity syndrome) ...

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