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Why Y Chromosome Is Slowly Shrinking ? The Y chromosome, which is essential for determining male gender in humans and other mammals, is slowly deteriorating. If we do not develop a new sex gene, our species may disappear in a few million years, possibly resulting in our extinction. In this article we discuss about the reason and causes of Y chromosome is slowly shrinking.

A study published in 2022 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science demonstrates the evolution of a new gene responsible for determining male sex in the spiny rat.

 What is the Y Chromosome? 

– The mechanism by which the Y Chromosome influences gender.

• Females possess two X chromosomes, whereas males carry one X chromosome and a smaller Y chromosome.

• The Y chromosome has a critical gene known as SRY (sex region on the Y) that initiates male development in embryonic stages.

• The activation of other genes by SRY, such as SOX9, is crucial in male determination in vertebrates.

– The vanishing  Y Chromosome :

•  The majority of mammals possess an X and Y chromosome system that is comparable to our own.

• Nevertheless, the platypus in Australia possesses sex chromosomes that are unique, similar to birds.

• Throughout 166 million years of evolution, approximately 900-55 active genes have been lost from the human Y chromosome.

• With the rate as it is now, the 55 remaining genes could vanish in 11 million years.

– Rodents lacking a Y chromosome:

– Certain rodent species, such as mole voles and spiny rats, have already lost their Y chromosome but are still able to thrive.

What are the implications of losing the Y chromosome?

Losing the Y chromosome could have diverse implications affecting individuals and the entire human population. Here are few important highlights:

Growth and maturation in males:

• The SRY gene, found on the Y chromosome, initiates male development in embryos.

• Absence of a functional Y chromosome would prevent male development, leading to an imbalance of sexes in the population.

Variety of genes within a population:

• The Y chromosome plays a role in genetic diversity by bringing about differences in genes specifically found in males.

• Losing it might lessen genetic diversity, which could make the population more vulnerable to diseases and shifts in the environment.

• Adaptations that have developed over time through the process of evolution.

• The Y chromosome has undergone changes over millions of years in response to varying environments.

• Losing it could restrict our capacity to adjust to upcoming challenges.

Sexual Health:

• Certain genes located on the Y chromosome are necessary for the production of sperm as well as for fertility.

• The lack of their presence could have an effect on the fertility of men.

Impacts on Society and Culture by Y chromosome is slowly shrinking :

• The Y chromosome is culturally important as a representation of manhood.

• Its vanishing could impact societal views on gender and norms.

Ongoing research efforts to address Why Y Chromosome Is Slowly Shrinking ?

The study of Y chromosome degeneration is a fascinating area of research. Let’s look into some revelations:

Study of the plant Rumex hastatulus:

• A recent research project examined the development of sex chromosomes in the dioecious plant Rumex hastatulus.

• The recently developed neo-sex chromosomes originated less than 200,000 years ago from vast genomic regions abundant in repeats and with minimal recombination.

• Nevertheless, the Y chromosome’s total lack of recombination resulted in more than 30% gene loss and substantial reorganization.

• Male genetic material is stored in the Y chromosome.

• In humans, the Y chromosome possesses mechanisms that hinder gene loss.

• Even without recombination advantages, genes on the Y chromosome continue to deteriorate as time passes.

• New studies indicate that gene loss rate may have come to a halt.

Continuing research on why Y chromosome is slowly shrinking :

• Scientists are still investigating the evolution of the Y chromosome, including the factors causing degeneration.

• Subjects covered are gene preservation, meiotic bias, and their effects on men’s well-being, such as cancer.

What are the differences between X and Y chromosomes?

Let’s examine the main difference between X and Y chromosomes.

Dimensions or measurements:

• The Y chromosome is shorter than the X chromosome.

Location of centromere:

• The centromere on the X chromosome is accurately positioned at the midpoint, known as metacentric.

• Y chromosome: Centromere located at one end (acrocentric).

• Being in a particular place or existing in a certain situation.

• X chromosomes are found in both males and females.

• Y chromosome is found solely in males.

Quantity of Copies:

• Females inherit two copies of the X chromosome, one from each parent.

• Males inherit one copy of the Y chromosome from their father.

Genes that are active.

• The X chromosome has a greater number of genes.

• Y chromosome has a lower number of genes.

Content of DNA:

• The X chromosome contains a greater amount of genetic material.

• The DNA content of the Y chromosome is lower.

Receiving wealth or property from a deceased relative:

• Genes on the X chromosome exhibit criss-cross inheritance.

• Genes on the Y chromosome exhibit direct inheritance.

Composition of chromatin:

• The X chromosome contains a higher proportion of euchromatin, which is DNA that is actively being transcribed.

• Y chromosome contains a higher amount of heterochromatin, which represents inactive DNA.

Operations; roles/tasks.

• The X chromosome plays a role in the formation of Barr bodies, the development of eggs, and other traits specific to females.

• The Y chromosome is essential for the development of males.

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