Question

George recently participated in genetic testing and has been found to possess the 10R allele. Which of the following is most likely to be true about George based on this genetic information?

A) George has a lower risk of criminal behavior.
B) George is more susceptible to environmental influences.
C) George is genetically predisposed to aggression.
D) George has a higher level of emotional intelligence.

Answer 1

George possessing the 10R allele suggests a genetic predisposition to aggression according to research on the MAOA gene. However, actual behavior is significantly influenced by environment and epigenetic factors. Option C is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on genetic information, if George possesses the 10R allele, it is most likely that C) George is genetically predisposed to aggression. The 10R allele relates to the MAOA gene, located on the X chromosome. Research has indicated that men carrying a variant of this gene, like the 10R allele, may have an increased likelihood of exhibiting aggressive behavior.

However, it's important to note that this is a tendency and not a certainty, as environmental factors play a considerable role in actual behavior. Furthermore, women with the same variant would typically have another normal allele on the other X chromosome, which could counteract the effects of the variant allele.

In addition, the concept of epigenetics and environmental influences suggests that while genetics may provide a certain predisposition, the environment can substantially affect which traits are expressed and how an individual's characteristics develop over time.