*Ø* Blogmanac | Genetic Breakthrough Undercuts Androgeny Dogma

"For years, biologists have been predicting the imminent demise of males, about 5 million years from now.

"Remember your Biology 101 class? Women have two X chromosomes, and men have an X and a Y. And each chromosome contains the genes where each person's genetic storehouse is found.

"The extra genetic cargo that men carry on their Y chromosome regulates their sperm production, fertility, and other biological functions.

"Having that Y chromosome gives men more genetic variety than women. But having that one Y also leaves men without a back-up system. If a gene on the Y chromosome mutates, that piece of the male genetic code may disappear. That's why researchers were worrying about the longevity of the male species.

"This dismal view was turned on its head with a recent article published in the journal Nature. Dr. David Page of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology reported on two startling discoveries.

"First, scientists previously had believed the Y chromosome had only a handful of genes. But Page discovered the Y chromosome has a rich mosaic of 78 active genes.

"Second, the Y chromosome contains duplicates of its own code. It doesn't have to rely on a separate back-up chromosome to repair itself -- instead, it combines with itself. There you have it, the genetic basis of the self-reliant, self-made male!

"The bottom line is, the genetic code of men and women differs by 1-2%. This is the same as the genetic differences between humans and chimpanzees ..."

Source: ifeminists