A genetically male embryo was affected by an environmental teratogen so that the testes never formed.Which of the following would be the expected phenotype?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The absence of testes, due to an environmental teratogen, will result in the non-production of male hormones. Without male hormones, the indifferent gonad will differentiate into female internal genitalia (uterus and tubes). The external genitalia will also develop into female genitalia, as the absence of male hormones will prevent the development of male external genitalia. Therefore, the expected phenotype is a basically female phenotype with female external genitalia, rudimentary uterus and tubes, and lacking in male sexual ducts. Option (A) is incorrect because the presence of male sexual ducts and accessory glands is not expected due to the absence of testes. Option (B) is incorrect because the presence of a rudimentary uterus and tubes is not expected in a normal male embryo. Option (D) is incorrect because the lack of male hormones will prevent the development of male internal genitalia, such as sexual ducts. Option (E) is incorrect because, as stated before, the absence of testes will prevent the development of male internal genitalia.

A Genetically Male Embryo Was Affected by an Environmental Teratogen