Biology and gender Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Biology and gender - Essay Example The question of interest is given the sheer overpopulation of the sperms, it appears that the selection of the sperm is a chance phenomenon dictated by randomization. It is also important to note that depending on the type of the sperm and its genotype with respect to the sex chromosome, X or Y, the sex of the developing fetus will be determined. This means either a sperm with X chromosome will unite with the ovum with x chromosome or a sperm with y chromosome will do the same, thereby creating the zygote with either XX or XY sex chromosomal pattern. If it is XX, the fetus will eventually become female and if it is XY, the fetus will become a male (Wilson et al. 2007). To answer the questions, how a sperm is selected, there were many theories, speculations, and observations. Research has explored the nuances of this mechanism quite effectively, but much is still unknown. Therefore, there is a need to update the recent knowledge from recent research, so a consensus can be drawn to det ermine the role of different other factors in the sex determination of the developing fetus. Genes by themselves are not causally efficacious, as gene... There are two control mechanisms which are involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis: hormonal and genetic (Tobet, 2002. It has been known that environmental factors may alter the genetic determinants of gonadal sex, the hormonal determinants of phenotypic sex, fetal gametogenesis, reproductive tract differentiation, as well as postnatal integration of endocrine functions. These factors all together may affect the genetic expression leading to processes essential for the propagation of the species. Environmental factors have also been known to affect or modify sexual differentiation and thus development of reproductive capacity, may be through action on the endocrine synthesis and function. Although there are perceptions that these factors all have their secular roles to play in human fetal sexual differentiation, current research indicates that they are very much interrelated (Vidaeff et al. 2005) Literature Review: At this juncture it is important to have a review of scientific research articles including reviews in order to gather the recent evidence of environmental, endocrine, and genetic influences on sexual differentiation of the embryo. Fisher in his review article, "Environmental anti-androgens and male reproductive health: focus on phthalates and testicular dysgenesis syndrome" finds out evidence in favor of link between disruption of hormonal environment by environmental antiandrogens and their effects on development of testes and reproductive tract. The author presents evidence from an exhaustive review that endocrine disrupting chemicals from the environment can act as estrogens, anti-estrogens, antiandrogens, and steriodogenic enzyme inhibitors.