Testis determining factor

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Testis-determining factor (TDF) is a general term for the gene (or product thereof) that results in maleness in humans and some other species.

Current thinking is that certain genes will cause the chemical reactions that result in the development of testes. Embryos are gonadally identical, regardless of genetic sex, until a certain point in development; then the testis-determining factor causes male sex organs to develop, while lack of this factor will cause the embryo to develop as physically female.

The TDF factor is encoded by the SRY gene located in the Y chromosome. It is a DNA binding protein, that enhances other transmission factors, or is a transcription factor itself. Its expression directly or indirectly causes the development of primary sex chords, which will later develop to seminiferous tubules. These chords form in the central part of the undifferentiated-yet gonad, turning it into a testis. The testis then starts secreting testosterone and the Mullerian Inhibiting Substance.

Older texts discuss the role of the HY antigen in the control of testicular development, but this was later disproven.

The TDF gene has some interesting implications. Crossing over can cause the gene to be transferred on to the X chromosome. In this case, the X chromosome will initiate the testis developement, so regardless of whether the person has, or hasn't got a Y chromosome, the person will turn into a boy. Though everything else will be developed as if it were a girl (other sex related alleles), the sex will be male. Some scientists even go as far as ascribing homosexuality to this exceptional situation. Conversely, such a cross-over event, also termed recombination, can result in a Y chromosome that is missing its TDF, replaced with the corresponding sequence from the end of the X chromosome. Individuals who inherit this Y chromosome will develop as females, despite having the normal male chromosomal set of one X and one Y.