What factor most strongly influences the development of the paramesonephric tissue into female sex organs?
A)Proper positioning of the bipotential gonad
B)The presence of estrogen during puberty
C)The presence of two X chromosomes
D)The absence of a Y chromosome

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The early embryonic tissue capable of developing into male sex organs, including the penis, scrotum, prostate, and the tubular system connecting the testis to the urinary system, is the mesonephric ductal tissue (wolffian glands). The tissue capable of developing into female sex organs is the paramesonephric ductal tissue (müllerian ducts). Both types of tissues are present in embryos that are 46,XX and those that are 46,XY. Under the influence of testosterone and anti-müllerian factor, which are normally secreted in the 46,XY embryo, mesonephric ductal tissue differentiates into anatomic male sex structures, and the paramesonephric ductal tissue regresses and degenerates so that anatomic female sex structures do not develop. Without the presence of Y-chromosome-influenced testosterone and anti-müllerian factor, the mesonephric ducts regress and degenerate. The lack of anti-müllerian factor together with the genetic influence of autosomal gene products causes the development of the paramesonephric ductal tissues into complete anatomic female sex structures. Although the absence of the Y chromosome is not the only reason that female structures develop, it appears to be the strongest.

What Factor Most Strongly Influences the Development of the Paramesonephric