X Rated Summary
"Science is not about building a body of known 'facts '. It is a method for asking awkward questions and subjecting them to a reality-check, thus avoiding the human tendency to believe whatever makes us feel good," reveals the English author, Terry Pratchett. Two articles explore whether or not intelligence is linked to the X chromosome in a person 's genetic makeup. Perhaps this research will end the never ending battle of the sexes regarding which sex is smarter.
X Rated summary
Recent research regarding the X chromosome sequence may help to define the biological differences between men and women. Sexual differences in intelligence were once thought to arise primarily from hormones and the environment. Studies have not found intelligence …show more content…
However, men obtain a Y chromosome from the father and only one X chromosome from the mother. The Y chromosome bares genes that serve to invoke sperm production and other factors regarding male sexual reproduction. The X chromosome sports one thousand ninety-eight protein-carrying genes. Only fifty-four of the genes have functional counterparts found on the Y chromosome. When a gene on the X chromosome mutates in a woman, the woman has another x chromosome to balance out the irregularity. Unfortunately, men do not possess an extra X chromosome to "fix" any errors that may arise from X chromosome mutations. The fact that males only have one X chromosome and few Y counterparts to match the X genes leaves men vulnerable to approximately three hundred genetic disorders and diseases. These abnormalities range from colorblindness to around two hundred brain disorders as the brain is particularly vulnerable to x-linked malfunctions. Horst Hameister, physician and geneticist at the University of Ulm in Germany, has stated that 21% of brain disabilities are related to x-linked mutations. In fact, there are more mentally retarded men than …show more content…
To add to the credibility of the article, she describes studies executed by several other scientists reaching the same conclusions. Methods used to conduct the experiments were observation and testing. The facts were presented in a logical manner, but were obviously tailored to an audience that already has insight into genetics. Also contributing to the credibility of the author 's research is the extensive list of references following the conclusion of the article. While X rated was a fascinating read, the reader gains more specific facts in Intelligence and the X chromosome and thus has a greater understanding of the
X Rated summary
Recent research regarding the X chromosome sequence may help to define the biological differences between men and women. Sexual differences in intelligence were once thought to arise primarily from hormones and the environment. Studies have not found intelligence …show more content…
However, men obtain a Y chromosome from the father and only one X chromosome from the mother. The Y chromosome bares genes that serve to invoke sperm production and other factors regarding male sexual reproduction. The X chromosome sports one thousand ninety-eight protein-carrying genes. Only fifty-four of the genes have functional counterparts found on the Y chromosome. When a gene on the X chromosome mutates in a woman, the woman has another x chromosome to balance out the irregularity. Unfortunately, men do not possess an extra X chromosome to "fix" any errors that may arise from X chromosome mutations. The fact that males only have one X chromosome and few Y counterparts to match the X genes leaves men vulnerable to approximately three hundred genetic disorders and diseases. These abnormalities range from colorblindness to around two hundred brain disorders as the brain is particularly vulnerable to x-linked malfunctions. Horst Hameister, physician and geneticist at the University of Ulm in Germany, has stated that 21% of brain disabilities are related to x-linked mutations. In fact, there are more mentally retarded men than …show more content…
To add to the credibility of the article, she describes studies executed by several other scientists reaching the same conclusions. Methods used to conduct the experiments were observation and testing. The facts were presented in a logical manner, but were obviously tailored to an audience that already has insight into genetics. Also contributing to the credibility of the author 's research is the extensive list of references following the conclusion of the article. While X rated was a fascinating read, the reader gains more specific facts in Intelligence and the X chromosome and thus has a greater understanding of the