Almost everyone carries an X chromosome from their mothers, and either an X or Y from their fathers. The Y is the odd man out among our 46 chromosomes, carrying only 51 protein-coding genes compared to thousands in other chromosomes. But those genes are important in developing male attributes, from the womb to puberty and fatherhood. However, when men get older, they tend to lose the Y from some of their cells. Since the Y has already done its job and has so few genes, this hasn't seemed to be a problem. But that may change due to more recent research.
Some of the genes carried on the Y chromosome inhibit cell growth, preventing cancers and other diseases. The X does, too. But having only one copy of those genes in certain cells may explain why older men suffer from cancer, Parkinson's disease, kidney disease, and heart problems more than women. Read about the Y chromosome and what we are learning about its usefulness at the Conversation. -via Damn Interesting
Commenting on Neatorama will earn you NeatoPoints!