Low-activity variants of the VNTR promoter region of the MAO-A gene have been referred to as the warrior gene. While almost all humans have a functional MAO-A gene, MAO-A deficiency has been seen in at least 5 families with Brunner syndrome.
Only about a third of people in Western populations have the low-activity form of MAOA. By comparison, low-activity MAOA has been reported to be much more frequent (approaching two-thirds of people) in some populations that had a history of warfare. This led to a controversy over MAOA being dubbed the “warrior gene.”
The general consensus is that the warrior gene predisposes susceptible rage-aholics to excess impulsivity, risky decision-making, violent behavior, and yes, aggression [3].
The MAOA gene is located on the X-chromosome. Men inherit only one X chromosome, so they have only one version of MAOA. If a man inherits the “warrior” gene, they are more likely to be affected by it.
On the plus side, the “warrior” gene is also linked to making more successful business decisions. With a simple mouth swab this DNA test can conclusively determine whether you have inherited the “warrior” gene.
Myth 1: The MAOA “warrior gene” is rare
The alleles connected with aggression are carried by approximately 33% of the population, so if it's just the MAOA genetic variant that makes us “warriors,” then there are lots of warriors running around out there.
Racial Differences
The Warrior Gene was found to be more or less prevalent in different ethnic groups [6]. The 3R version, which produces less MAO-A, was found in 59% of Black men, 56% of Maori men (an aboriginal New Zealand group), 54% of Chinese men and 34% of Caucasian men.
And while it is true that you get half of your genes from each parent, the genes from your father are more dominant, especially when it comes to your health.
killer and rapist (Biography.com, 2015). Bundy had several psychological and biological dispositions, and the MAOA gene can be concluded as one of them. One his biggest problem was that he was raised by his grandparents on the belief that his mother was his sister (Biography, 2015).
One variant is referred to as the “Worrier” gene; it breaks down catecholamines more slowly. The second variant is referred to as the “Warrior” gene; it breaks down these neurotransmitters more quickly. Those with the slow breakdown Worrier variant tend to do well in school and work, but they worry.
A number of research studies claim that a simple gene mutation affecting only men plays a crucial role in violent aggression. Furthermore, this is a gene variant that may be present in 30-40% of the male population.
Studies have linked the “Warrior Gene” to increased risk-taking and to retaliatory behavior. Men with the “Warrior Gene” are not necessarily more aggressive, but they are more likely to respond aggressively to perceived conflict.
The story of the warrior gene dates back to the early 1990s, when several groups reported a link between violent aggression and a gene on the X chromosome that encodes for an enzyme called monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), which regulates the function of the neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.
Since MAOA is an X- linked gene women can be classified as having high (H), intermediate or low (L) MAOA activity but men can only be classified by having high or low activity. The genotype frequencies for females were: LL: 16.6%, LH: 42.4%, HH: 41.0%; for males they were: L: 33.1% and H: 66.9%.
Good gene indicators are hypothesized to include masculinity, physical attractiveness, muscularity, symmetry, intelligence, and “confrontativeness” (Gangestad, Garver-Apgar, and Simpson, 2007).
However, if you think about what genes do, and what luck is, it is clearly impossible for the two to be related. Genes carry the instructions for organisms to make proteins - that is all. Proteins, of themselves, are not lucky or unlucky. It's only prevailing circumstances that make them seem so.
The leadership gene, known as rs4950, is an inherited DNA sequence associated with people taking charge. Scientists accept that leadership skills are also learned. But the gene may provide the vital push needed to make someone into a manager rather than a minion.
In 2010, scientists discovered the anger-causing gene HTR2B, which is responsible for impulsive and violent behavior in human beings. This gene affects the production and detection of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain.
In Japan, people with Type O are commonly referred to as warriors because they are said to be self-confident, outgoing, goal-oriented and passionate.
Genetically, you actually carry more of your mother's genes than your father's. That's because of little organelles that live within your cells, the mitochondria, which you only receive from your mother.
Athletic performance is a complex trait that is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Many physical traits help determine an individual's athletic ability, primarily the strength of muscles used for movement (skeletal muscles ) and the predominant type of fibers that compose them.
All men inherit a Y chromosome from their father, which means all traits that are only found on the Y chromosome come from dad, not mom. The Supporting Evidence: Y-linked traits follow a clear paternal lineage.
Females always pass an X chromosome onto their offspring. If the father passes on an X chromosome, the baby will be genetically female, and if the father passes on a Y chromosome, the baby will be genetically male.
In concluding the study, co-author and psychologist at the University of Padova in Italy Paola Bressan noted that to the best of her knowledge, “no study has either replicated or supported” the findings from the 1995 study that stated babies resemble their fathers.