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To: steve-b

This needs to be put in context with DNA as a whole. That is, there are some fairly primitive creatures, like some worms, that have far more chromosomes than do more advanced animals and man, but beyond a developmental point, a culling process is used to eliminate “extra” chromosomes.

The logic to this is straightforward. Having more chromosomes means that an organism is more adaptable, but it is harder for it to reproduce its DNA in its offspring. So it’s a trade off.

People probably have too many chromosomes, with the Y chromosome being on the weak end, so it is fading away. Importantly, there is a fairly common genetic problem with the X chromosome as well, called “Fragile X Syndrome”, which might result in it becoming the replacement Y chromosome, while another chromosome takes its place. Literally, an “arm” of the X chromosome could “fall off”, leaving it to look like a Y chromosome.


12 posted on 07/18/2009 9:54:13 AM PDT by yefragetuwrabrumuy
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To: yefragetuwrabrumuy

Here are some traits that are not going away.

1) Honor
2) Integrity
3) Faithfulness
4) Character


15 posted on 07/18/2009 9:59:52 AM PDT by shineon
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