Will men become extinct? Scientists warn the possibility is huge; cite this reason

Scientists warn that 'testicle mutations' could eradicate men. Given that experts claim testicles are crucial in developing the DNA component, the Y chromosome has continued to deteriorate after 180 million years, leaving men's future uncertain.

Because Y chromosomes are starting to fail, scientists warn that the male species may go extinct, as quoted in a report by the Daily Star.

The X and Y chromosomes, which resemble threads and contain DNA and proteins in the body, determine a person's gender in both mammals and humans. Women have two X chromosomes, whereas men have X and Y. Despite making up only 4% of a person's DNA, they may have the greatest impact on their life.


Concerningly, boffins are now speculating that a future devoid of men may result from the Y chromosome's decline. Only 45 genes make up the small Y chromosome, and only one gene determines a person's gender.

In the past, this was not always the case because Y and X shared about 900 genes. The numbers are now still declining. Originally, identical chromosomes unrelated to sex gave rise to the sex chromosomes. Whatever remains is therefore worthless.

Also Read : Cobra Kai Season 6 Part 2: Here’s release date, time and episode schedule

Jenny Graves, an Australian geneticist, tells Science Focus that there are several reasons for this.

First of all, the Y chromosome is never found in an ovary but rather in the testicle. However, because of the numerous mutations that occur, testicles are not safe places to live.

Numerous cell divisions are required to produce sperm, and each one presents an opportunity for mutation. The chromosome may be significantly impacted by this. Because there is only one in the cell, it's also not very good at fixing itself up, stated Graves.

Damage to one chromosome can usually be repaired by swapping its DNA with that of the opposite chromosome. Unfortunately, there isn't a pair, so Y is alone. Furthermore, 97% of its ancestral genes have been lost.

X is more likely to withstand this significant change because it essentially stays the same as it has always been. However, the precise moment at which the Y vanishes forever is still unknown.

However, Graves believes that some time remains. Evolutionarily speaking, the decline has been fairly quick. The chromosome took this long to reach this stage, having first developed 180 million years ago.

Also Read : Donald Trump to order US banks mergers soon?

Men shouldn't panic, according to Graves. People's outrage over the loss of the Y chromosome is amusing. According to my approximate calculations, it will take another six or seven million years for the chromosome to completely disappear.

Then, as observed in certain rodents, she proposes that a new sex-determining gene might emerge.

FAQs

Why do scientists think men might become extinct?
The Y chromosome, which is necessary for male sex determination, is deteriorating. Over millions of years, it has lost 97% of its genes and struggles to repair itself, raising fears that this decline will lead to male extinction.

Is man about to become extinct?
There's no need to panic just yet! According to geneticist Jenny Graves, while the Y chromosome is shrinking, it will take about six to seven million years for men to completely lose it.