In cases of 5-alpha-reductase deficiency, internal organs
A) fail to develop in either the male or female pattern.
B) develop in the normal female pattern.
C) develop in the normal male pattern.
D) develop both the normal female and male patterns.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In cases of 5-alpha-reductase deficiency, internal organs develop in the normal male pattern, regardless of the external genitalia appearing either male or ambiguous. This is because 5-alpha-reductase is important for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which plays a crucial role in the development and differentiation of male internal genitalia. Without DHT, the internal genitalia will develop towards the default female pathway.

In Cases of 5-Alpha-Reductase Deficiency, Internal Organs