Homosexuality and Genetics
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A gay gene which causes homosexuality has not been identified, though strong evidence for its existence is provided by studies which have produced homosexual fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) with activation of the so-called "Fruitless Gene."[1] Homosexuality is not "hard-wired" or inevitable in anybody, though there is strong scientific evidence that it is determined before the so-called "age of reason" in humans.[2][3]
The American Psychological Association supports the view that sexual orientation is not a choice: "Many scientists share the view that sexual orientation is shaped for most people at an early age through complex interactions of biological, psychological and social factors." [1]
Work of the Human Genome Project
- Dr. Collins succinctly reviewed the research on homosexuality and offers the following: "An area of particularly strong public interest is the genetic basis of homosexuality. Evidence from twin studies does in fact support the conclusion that heritable factors play a role in male homosexuality. However, the likelihood that the identical twin of a homosexual male will also be gay is about 20% (compared with 2-4 percent of males in the general population), indicating that sexual orientation is genetically influenced but not controlled by a single gene (perhaps being operated by a mechanism that controls dwarfism[4]), and that whatever genes are involved represent predispositions, not predeterminations." [2]
- Regarding the contributions of genetics to areas such as homosexuality, Dr. Collins concluded, "Yes, we have all been dealt a particular set of cards, and the cards will eventually be revealed. But how we play the hand is up to us." [3]
External links
- "Homosexuality Is Not Hardwired," Concludes Dr. Francis S. Collins, Head Of The Human Genome Project
- Is there a "gay gene"? - explores how the media misrepresented the science
- ↑ Rutter, M. (2006). Genes and Behavior. Oxford, UK: Blackwell Publishing
- ↑ Bailey, J.M., Dunne, M.P., Martin, N.G. (2000). Genetic and environmental influences on sexual orientation and its correlates in an Australian twin sample. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 78(3)
- ↑ Gringas, P. and Chen, W. (2001). Mechanisms for difference in monozygous twins. Early Human Development, 64, (2), 105-117.
- ↑ Series]," Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal 50(3): 185. June 1999. PMID 99334125 Mueller, Robert F and Ian D. Young. Emery's Elements of Medical Genetics, 11th ed. (2001)