New research about the Y chromosome: In humans and other mammals, the sex of a baby is determined by a gene on the Y chromosome called the male-determining gene. But this important chromosome is slowly weakening and may disappear within a few million years. This could lead to the extinction of our species unless a new sex-determining gene evolves. Two species of mice have already lost their Y chromosome.
What is the Y chromosome?
The Y chromosome is a type of chromosome that plays an important role in determining the sex of males. It is present in the body of males and works together with the X chromosome in the male's gene structure.
The Y chromosome contains certain genes that control the development of masculinity. This causes males to develop special traits and physical characteristics.
In the human body, women have two X chromosomes in their body, while men have one X and one Y chromosome in their body.
What concerns scientists about the Y chromosome?
In the 166 million years since humans and platypuses diverged, the Y chromosome has lost a large number of active genes, dropping from 900 to just 55. If this trend continues, the Y chromosome may disappear completely in the next 11 million years.
This potential extinction has sparked debate among scientists, with some estimating that the Y chromosome will persist indefinitely, while others believe it will disappear within a few thousand years.
Two species of rats raised hopes
The good news is that two types of mice have already lost their Y chromosome and still survived. A study published in the journal 'Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences' in 2022 shows that spiny mice have successfully evolved a new male-determining gene, offering hope for the future of humanity.
The mole vole of Eastern Europe and the spiny rat of Japan – have already lost their Y chromosome, but they are still thriving. In these species, the X chromosome remains in both males and females, but the Y chromosome and the SRY gene have disappeared.
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