✅ Correct Answer: C — Testosterone
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone (androgen) produced by the Testes (Leydig cells). It is responsible for male secondary sexual characteristics: facial hair (beard/mustache), deeper voice, increased muscle mass, body hair, and sperm production. It is also present in females in small amounts from ovaries and adrenal glands.
❌ Why other options are wrong:
• A. Oestrogen — Oestrogen is the primary female sex hormone; causes female secondary characteristics (breast development, menstruation). Males have very small amounts.
• B. Progesterone — Progesterone is another female hormone that maintains pregnancy and regulates menstrual cycle; not responsible for male characteristics.
• D. (Other option) — Not the hormone responsible for male secondary sexual characteristics.
📝 Important Note: Testosterone produced by Testes = male secondary characteristics. Oestrogen produced by Ovaries = female secondary characteristics. Both hormones are steroid hormones derived from cholesterol. Testosterone also influences bone density, red blood cell production, and libido. Key SSC CGL reproductive biology fact.
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