XX-GERM-CELLS - THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN OVARY AND A TESTIS

In mammals, gonadal sex is determined by the action of the testis-dete rmining gene, SRY. In the absence of SRY, the indifferent gonad follow s an alternative pathway and develops as an ovary. Both mitotic and me iotic germ cells appear to play an essential role in ensuring ovarian development. Ovaries depleted of germ cells before or after ovarian di fferentiation has commenced can develop seminiferous cords, suggesting that XX germ cells may inhibit testicular differentiation in the ovar y.