Scientists Discover Epigenetics May Be Responsible for Homosexuality
¨Theories of Causes of Homosexuality
Homosexuality used to be thought of as a result of a domineering mother and an ineffectual father. Religious zealots still believe it’s a “choice” of a “gay lifestyle.” The hereditary link has been established, but because of twins’ studies, scientists knew it wasn’t just a genetic link. In identical twins, there’s about a 20 percent chance that if one twin is gay, the other will be too. If genetic change were responsible for homosexuality, you’d expect a much higher match.
Scientists Have New Theory Why Homosexuality May Run in Families
The new study, published by William R. Rice, Urban Friberg, and Sergey Gavrilets. Homosexuality as a Consequence of Epigenetically Canalized Sexual Development. Review of Biology, 2012%3B 87 (4)The Quarterly Review of Biology, December 11, 2012, concludes that epigenetics that switches genes on and off may explain why homosexuality is passed on in families.
Here’s How It Works
The gene expression is regulated by temporary switches called epi-marks. They constitute an extra layer of information attached to our genes’ backbones that regulates their expression. Epi-marks direct when, where, and how much a gene is expressed during development.
Different epi-marks protect different sex-specific traits from being masculinized or feminized – some affect the genitals, sexual identity or sexual partner preference. They protect fathers and mothers from excess or underexposure to testosterone.
These epi-marks are usually erased between generations. However, they can cause reverse effects when the epi-marks are transmitted across generations from fathers to daughters or mothers to sons, resulting in feminization of some traits in sons, such as sexual preference, and similarly a partial masculinization of daughters...¨ there is more, HERE
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