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What happens if an XY individual is missing the SRY gene? A) They will develop female reproductive anatomy B) They will develop male reproductive anatomy C) They will have a balanced genetic makeup D) They will develop both male and female reproductive anatomy
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Answer

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Step 1:
I'll solve this problem step by step, focusing on the genetic determination of sex.

Step 2:
: Understanding Sex Chromosome Basics

- Humans typically have sex chromosomes XX (female) or XY (male) - The SRY (Sex-determining Region Y) gene is located on the Y chromosome - This gene is crucial for male sexual development

Step 3:
: Role of the SRY Gene

- The SRY gene triggers the development of testes in a genetic male - Without the SRY gene, the default developmental pathway is female

Step 4:
: Developmental Consequences of Missing SRY

- An XY individual without the SRY gene will NOT develop male reproductive anatomy - Instead, they will follow the default female developmental pathway - This means they will develop female reproductive structures

Step 5:
: Analyzing the Possible Answers

- Option A states they will develop female reproductive anatomy - This precisely matches the genetic and developmental consequences of missing the SRY gene

Final Answer

Explanation: The absence of the SRY gene in an XY individual prevents male sexual differentiation, causing the embryo to develop female reproductive anatomy by default.