Bio comprehension question

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Raiden2012

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Most interestingly, these genotypically males were found to undergo masculinization of their external genitalia at puberty, when the external genitalia became responsive to testosterone. Thus, a person originally thought to be a female was dramatically transformed to have the appearance of a male

Which of the following statements is supported by evidence given in the passage?

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A.
Cholesterol levels are regulated via feedback inhibition by dihydrotestosterone.


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B.
Maturation of the external genitalia is triggered by increased levels of testosterone during puberty.


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Correct Answer

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C.
Dihydrotestosterone plays a central role in the development of female external genitalia.


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D.
None of the above



Ans: Maturation of the external genitalia is triggered by increased levels of testosterone during puberty.

Can anyone tell me why this is the answer? The passage states that it only became responsive and not necessarily triggered by the surge of hormone.

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Cholesterol serves as the precursor for the adrenocortical hormones, including mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and androgens. Figure 1 depicts a biosynthetic pathway for the formation of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone from cholesterol. These hormones play a critical role in the development of secondary sex characteristics, that is, the development of male phenotype. Defects in this pathway, there­fore, are often manifested by cases of sexual phenotypic abnormality.
Cholesterol
↓
Pregnenolone
↓
17–α-OH-pregnenolone
↓
Androstenedione
↓
Testosterone
↓
Dihydrotestosterone

Figure 1​
In the Dominican Republic, some inhabitants of a small community were found to have a genetic deficiency of 5-α-ketosteroid reductase, an enzyme that co­verts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Although these individuals were genotypically male, they possessed a blind vaginal pouch and an enlarged clitoris. Their internal genitalia were male, with normal development of the epididymis, vas deferens, and seminal vesicles.
Most interestingly, these individuals were found to undergo masculinization of their external genitalia at puberty, when the external genitalia became responsive to testosterone. Thus, a person originally thought to be a female was dramatically transformed to have the appearance of a male
 
Testosterone levels increase during puberty

Thanks for your reply but can we automatically assume that the rise in testosterone is responsible for the change? The passage states that external genitalia become responsive but it doesn't necessarily mean this was because of the surge in testosterone.

If there was a surge and the genitalia remained irresponsive, nothing would happen right?
 
The only difference between a tissue's response and lack of response to a hormone is the levels of that hormone.
 
The only difference between a tissue's response and lack of response to a hormone is the levels of that hormone.

Hmm ok. I initially thought that the response would be linear before plateauing with increasing levels of hormone. Never thought it would be logic based (yes or no)

Thanks
 
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