# Describe the role of testosterone in the male reproductive system and explain how it differs from the role of oestrogen in the female reproductive system.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1) — 3.1 Reproduction · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Testosterone stimulates the production of sperm (in the testes)
2. Testosterone is responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics (e.g. facial hair / voice breaking / increased muscle mass)
3. Oestrogen causes the growth and repair of the uterus lining (whereas testosterone does not act on the uterus / has no equivalent role)
4. Oestrogen is responsible for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics (whereas testosterone is responsible for male secondary sexual characteristics)

## Key terms

- [testosterone](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/testosterone)
- [oestrogen](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/oestrogen)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-the-role-of-testosterone-in-2877d242) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.