Capítulo de livro

Y Chromosome Function in Mammalian Development

1992; Elsevier BV; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/s1566-3116(08)60047-x

ISSN

1566-3116

Autores

Paul S. Burgoyne,

Tópico(s)

Animal Genetics and Reproduction

Resumo

This chapter discusses the functions of the mammalian Y chromosome. Y chromosome plays an important role in spermatogonial proliferation, in satisfying a mandatory requirement for X–Y pairing, and in the development of the sperm head. In mammals, it is the presence of a Y chromosome that determines the embryonic gonad develops as a testis. Several other Y chromosomal effects are also observed in mice that have been identified by comparing mice that differ only in the source of their Y chromosome. These include effects on testis weight, serum testosterone levels, target organ sensitivity, aggressive behavior, male sexual behavior, and glucose intolerance. These effects may be a consequence of allelic variation for Y chromosomal genes. In humans, Y chromosome affects biological growth and tooth size. The affect on tooth size may be explained by the recent finding that the human Y carries a copy of a gene encoding amelogenin, a component of tooth enamel.

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