The human embryo is essentially "poised" to develop as a female, and will only become male in the presence of testosterone and MIS.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the absence of the Y chromosome and its SRY gene, which triggers the development of male characteristics, the default developmental pathway for a human embryo is to develop female characteristics. Testosterone and Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS), also known as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), are crucial for the development of male physical characteristics and the inhibition of female reproductive tract development, respectively.

The Human Embryo Is Essentially "Poised" to Develop as a Female