Final Answer:
Dr. Gilbert compares and contrasts primary and secondary sex determination, describing one as being "digital" and the other as being "analog."
a. Primary sex determination is more "digital" (either/or) due to mutual inhibition from transcription factors. Secondary sex determination is more "analog" (varied/on a continuum) due to gradients and mixtures occurring from differential hormone activity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Primary Sex Determination - "Digital" (either/or): Dr. Gilbert refers to primary sex determination as "digital" because it involves a clear either/or outcome. This is attributed to mutual inhibition from transcription factors, where the activation of one pathway inhibits the other, leading to a distinct male or female outcome.
Secondary Sex Determination - "Analog" (varied/on a continuum): In contrast, secondary sex determination is termed "analog" by Dr. Gilbert. This is due to the involvement of gradients and mixtures resulting from differential hormone activity. Unlike the discrete nature of primary sex determination, secondary sex determination allows for a more varied and continuous spectrum of outcomes.
a. Primary sex determination is more "digital" (either/or) due to mutual inhibition from transcription factors. Secondary sex determination is more "analog" (varied/on a continuum) due to gradients and mixtures occurring from differential hormone activity.