Genetic Differences

The physical differences between men and women are obvious. Any physical difference (facial hair, muscle mass, etc.) is due to the biological differences in the X and Y chromosomes. Women obtain an X chromosome from both parents while men obtain an X chromosome from the mother and a Y chromosome from the father. Women get more work out of hundreds of genes on the X chromosome than men do, which could help explain biological differences between men and women. Experiments suggest that women produce higher doses of certain proteins than men do, which plays out in gender differences regarding normal life and disease. For example, women are more prone to depression than men are. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter the brain uses to control mood balance. Females and males process this neurochemical and others, such as estrogen, in different ways. While men are more successful in taking their own lives, women are far more likely to attempt suicide. Men are more likely to succumb to alcohol problems, but women are at higher risk for developing alcohol troubles as a result of depression. In regards to mental illnesses, males are much more likely to have autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. As a man ages, the chances that he will experience an onset of schizophrenia earlier in life than women is also increased. Women, however, are twice as likely to suffer from depression, panic disorders, and other anxiety disorders. It is no secret that men and women are prone to different illnesses (physical and psychological). However, DNA plays a larger role in the differences between men and women than diseases and sickness. Other differences include anger management, intelligence, habitual tasks, sexuality, parenting and ethics to name a few. There is no possible way to go into great detail about the genetic differences between men and women in so few words. If you’re interested in learning more about men’s and women’s genetic differences, visit http://www.apa.org/topics/topicwomenmen.html.