Scientists set out to test the hypothesis that the herbicide atrazine is an endocrine disruptor that feminizes male amphibians. They treated male amphibians with atrazine and then compared their circulating testosterone concentration with those of males and females that were not treated with atrazine (controls). The results are shown here (* signifies P<0.05). Was the hypothesis supported? Why or why not?

Question

Scientists set out to test the hypothesis that the herbicide atrazine is an endocrine disruptor that feminizes male amphibians. They treated male amphibians with atrazine and then compared their circulating testosterone concentration with those of males and females that were not treated with atrazine (controls). The results are shown here (* signifies P<0.05). Was the hypothesis supported? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

Hey everyone, Let's take a look at this question together. Which of the following statements about endocrine disruptors is true. So let's recall what we know about what endocrine disruptors are, what they do and which of the following statements below about them is true. So we know that endocrine disruptors are either natural or man made chemicals that are used to mimic or interfere with the body's hormones. And so because they're made to either mimic or interfere the body's natural hormones, sometimes they can get in the way because they also bind to the same receptors that the natural ones are using. Now these endocrine disruptors are found in everyday products like bottles, containers liners of metal food cans, detergents, several other things that we come in contact with on a day to day basis. And so now that we have discussed these facts about endocrine disruptors, we can take a look at the answer choices and see which ones of the following are true. So answer choice A says there are chemicals that have the potential to disrupt the hormonal balance in the body. We know that is true because they're used to mimic or interfere with the natural hormones of the body. And so answer choice B. They may obstruct the natural hormone receptor pathway. It's also true because we also know that they use the natural hormone receptors found within our body. And so answer choice C. Xeno estrogens are synthetic estrogen like substances that bind to estrogen receptors and disrupt endocrine function is also true because we know that these disruptors are also synthetic and are meant to be similar to the natural ones that our body produces and can get in the way of the function of the natural hormone. So that leaves us with answer choice D. All the above because answer choice A, B and C. Are all correct. And so all of the above is the correct answer here. I hope you found this video to be helpful. Thank you and goodbye.

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Key Concepts

Endocrine Disruptors

Testosterone and Sexual Differentiation

Statistical Significance