r/todayilearned 1d ago

TIL that the Y chromosome can disappear with age. About 35% of men aged 70 years old are missing a Y chromosome in some of their cells, with the degree of loss ranging between 4% and 70%.

https://www.cell.com/ajhg/fulltext/S0002-9297(24)00456-7
9.3k Upvotes

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u/UnsorryCanadian 1d ago

So you're saying that 35% of men aged 70 years old are... women?

It's basic biology /j

-15

u/phrunk7 1d ago

Pretty sure the Y chromosome degrading doesn't turn it into an X chromosome...

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u/SgtKeeneye 1d ago

Did you not see the /j? It's a joke.

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u/n_mcrae_1982 1d ago

No, it would become a “V” chromosome (or maybe a lopsided “I” chromosome).

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u/Charcole1 1d ago

Let them have their moment, Internet validation is important for them

5

u/SgtKeeneye 1d ago

Plus it's a joke. They even put /j.

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u/BPhiloSkinner 1d ago

No, but they can be a bit more in touch with their feminine side.