Which of the following is true regarding the role of hormones in sex differentiation?

• A. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) stimulates the development of female reproductive organs.
• B. Estrogen is responsible for the regression of the Müllerian ducts in male embryos.
• C. Sex differentiation occurs independently of hormonal signals in mammals.
• D. Testosterone promotes the development of male secondary sexual characteristics during embryonic development.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of sex differentiation in mammals: Sex differentiation is the process by which the reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics develop in embryos. This process is heavily influenced by hormonal signals.
2. Review the role of Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH): AMH is secreted by the testes in male embryos and causes the regression of the Müllerian ducts, which would otherwise develop into female reproductive organs. Therefore, AMH does not stimulate the development of female reproductive organs.
3. Examine the role of estrogen: Estrogen is primarily involved in the development of female secondary sexual characteristics and does not cause the regression of the Müllerian ducts in male embryos. The regression of these ducts is due to AMH, not estrogen.
4. Clarify the role of hormones in sex differentiation: Hormonal signals, such as testosterone and AMH, are essential for sex differentiation in mammals. It does not occur independently of hormonal signals.
5. Understand the role of testosterone: Testosterone is produced by the testes in male embryos and promotes the development of male reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics during embryonic development. This is the correct statement regarding the role of hormones in sex differentiation.