Land: 3,537,436 sq. miles (9,161,923 sq km) Water: 181,274 sq. miles (469,497 sq km) Total: 3,718,710 sq. miles (9,631,420 sq km) Land Area: (individual states) Land Area: (all countries) Horizontal Width: 2,680 miles. Vertical Length: 1,582 miles.
This intronless gene encodes a transcription factor that is a member of the high mobility group (HMG)-box family of DNA-binding proteins. This protein is the testis-determining factor (TDF), which initiates male sex determination. Mutations in this gene give rise to XY females with gonadal dysgenesis (Swyer syndrome); translocation of part of the Y chromosome containing this gene to the X chromosome causes XX male syndrome. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]
It is specifically located in the convoluted seminiferous tubules (since this is the only place in the testes where the spermatozoa are produced). Development of Sertoli cells is directed by the testis-determining factor protein.unctions [edit]. Because its main function is to nourish the developing sperm cells through the stages of spermatogenesis, the Sertoli cell has also been called the mother or nurse cell. Sertoli cells also act as phagocytes, consuming the residual cytoplasm during spermatogenesis.