What is the difference between primary and secondary sex determination?
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a
Primary sex determination refers to the development of characteristics based on their exposure to hormones whereas secondary sex determination refers to the effects of non-hormonal factors.
b
Primary sex determination refers to the process by which a gonad becomes male and female whereas secondary sex determination refers to the development of other sexual characteristics.
c
Primary sex determination refers to the sex specified by the chromosomes present in the zygote whereas secondary sex determination refers to the formation of sex-related characteristics.
d
Primary sex determination refers to the production of hormones that influence sexual characteristics and secondary sex determination refers to the actual development of those characteristics.
c
Primary sex determination refers to the sex specified by the chromosomes present in the zygote whereas secondary sex determination refers to the formation of sex-related characteristics.
c
Primary sex determination refers to the sex specified by the chromosomes present in the zygote whereas secondary sex determination refers to the formation of sex-related characteristics.
c
Primary sex determination refers to the sex specified by the chromosomes present in the zygote whereas secondary sex determination refers to the formation of sex-related characteristics.
To understand the difference between primary and secondary sex determination, we need to start with the concept of genetic sex. Genetic sex is determined by the presence of sex chromosomes in an individual's cells. In humans, these sex chromosomes are typically X and Y chromosomes, with individuals possessing two X chromosomes being female (XX) and individuals possessing one X and one Y chromosome being male (XY).
Primary sex determination refers to the determination of genetic sex based on the presence of these sex chromosomes. At fertilization, when the sperm fertilizes the egg, the resulting zygote receives either an X chromosome from the sperm (making it female) or a Y chromosome (making it male). This initial genetic sex determination sets the stage for subsequent development.
On the other hand, secondary sex determination refers to the development of sex-related characteristics that are not directly determined by the presence of sex chromosomes. These characteristics include the development of external genitalia, reproductive structures, and secondary sexual characteristics such as breast development and facial hair. Secondary sex determination occurs during embryonic and fetal development, and it is influenced by both genetic and hormonal factors.
In summary, primary sex determination refers to the sex specified by the chromosomes present in the zygote, while secondary sex determination refers to the formation of sex-related characteristics during development.