Which hormone (androgen) is responsible for male sex characteristics?

• A. Estrogen
• B. Androgens
• C. Progesterone
• D. Thymosin

Answer: (B)

Androgens are the hormones that drive male sexual development. The most important one is testosterone, produced mainly by the testes. Androgens bind to androgen receptors in target tissues and regulate genes that promote the development and maintenance of male traits. This includes puberty changes like growth of facial and body hair, a deeper voice, increased muscle mass and bone density, and the maturation of the testes with sperm production. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), formed from testosterone, is particularly potent in certain tissues such as skin and the prostate. While estrogen and progesterone play key roles in female reproduction, and thymosin is involved in immune system development, androgens are the primary drivers of male sex characteristics.