SRY Gene

The SRY gene is a small segment of DNA located on the Y chromosome that plays a crucial role in determining male sex development. It instructs the body to develop testes, which produce male hormones like testosterone, leading to male physical characteristics. If the SRY gene is absent or inactive, the individual typically develops female characteristics. Essentially, the SRY gene acts as a switch that kick-starts the process of male differentiation during early fetal development. Its presence or absence largely influences whether a person develops male or female physical traits.