Understanding Human Embryonic Development: Do All Embryos Start as Females?
Explore how human embryos develop and the role of chromosomes in determining sex characteristics.
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In human embryonic development, all embryos start with female characteristics. Around the seventh week, the presence of the Y chromosome in male embryos triggers the development of male features. This process involves the SRY gene, which initiates the formation of testes instead of ovaries. Therefore, while it’s not accurate to say everyone starts as a girl, all embryos begin with similar undifferentiated structures.
FAQs & Answers
- What is the role of the SRY gene? The SRY gene triggers the development of male characteristics by initiating the formation of testes in embryos.
- Do all embryos have both male and female characteristics? Yes, initially, all embryos exhibit similar undifferentiated structures before developing gender-specific features.
- At what point do male and female embryos differentiate? Sex differentiation begins around the seventh week of embryonic development, influenced by the presence of the Y chromosome.