Final answer:
Androgen insensitivity syndrome results in individuals with XY chromosomes and internal male reproductive organs developing female external genitalia and identifying as female. They do not have a uterus and are infertile.
Step-by-step explanation:
Individuals with androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) may develop external female genitalia, despite having XY chromosomes and internal male reproductive organs.
Androgen insensitivity syndrome is a genetic condition caused by a mutation in the androgen receptor gene, which is crucial for the normal development of male sexual characteristics. Despite having a typically male XY chromosome pattern, individuals with AIS have tissues that are insensitive to androgens, the hormones responsible for male sexual development. This means that while the internal reproductive organs are male (testes), they are often undescended, and external sexual characteristics develop along typically female lines.
The androgen receptors are unresponsive, thus preventing the action of testosterone and causing the individual to develop external genitalia that appear female, such as a vagina and labia. Although genetically male, affected individuals have a female gender identity and are raised as girls. They have typically undescended testes and do not possess a uterus or ovaries, leading to infertility. These individuals do not experience menstruation and are unable to conceive children due to the lack of functional female reproductive organs.