Kumar Bahukhandi
Men are usually taller than women, which is due to a special gene. (File photo: Unsplash/Pixabay)
Men are taller than women. Scientists have discovered the main reason behind this difference. Scientists have solved a big mystery of the difference in height between men and women through genes. This discovery not only explains why men are taller, but will also help in understanding gender-based diseases and physical characteristics.
Men across the world are generally taller than women. Now scientists have discovered a major genetic reason behind this physical difference. A team from Geisinger College of Health Sciences in Pennsylvania studied three large health databases and found that the SHOX (short-stature homeobox) gene is a major reason for the difference in height between men and women. This discovery not only solves the mystery of height, but can also help in understanding gender-based diseases in the future.
*Secret of men’s height: Scientists have found that the SHOX gene is a major reason why men are taller than women.
*Y and X chromosomes: The SHOX gene is more active on the Y chromosome, giving men an average of 3.1 cm of extra height.
*Study: Geisinger College of Health Sciences in Pennsylvania analyzed data of 1,225 people from three large databases.
*Height difference: The SHOX gene explains 22.6% of the average height difference between men and women.
*Future prospects: This discovery can help in understanding gender-based diseases and physical differences.
What is the SHOX gene?
The SHOX gene is found on both the X and Y chromosomes. Men have one X and one Y chromosome, while women have two X chromosomes. But one X chromosome in women (called the inactive X chromosome or Xi) is less active, so that excess of the gene does not cause complications. The study found that:
The SHOX gene on the Y chromosome is more active, giving men an average of 3.1 cm (1.2 in) of extra height. Women are shorter in height due to the less activity of the SHOX gene on the inactive X chromosome.
How was the study done?
Scientists analysed data from three large health databases in the UK and the US on 1,225 people who had unusual chromosome combinations. These data were combined with height, which showed that the SHOX gene has a greater effect in men.
Key findings of the study
*The average height difference between men and women is 12.85 to 13.72 cm.
*The SHOX gene explains 22.6% of this difference.
*The rest of the difference comes from hormones (such as testosterone) and environmental factors (such as the country’s economic condition).
Other reasons for height differences
Height is not only dependent on genetics. There are some other factors as well
Genetics: Children of tall parents are usually tall.
Hormones: Men have higher levels of testosterone, which helps in increasing height.
Importance of this discovery
This study is not limited to just understanding the difference in height. It can have many far-reaching effects…
*Gender-based diseases: Like Alzheimer’s, which is more common in women. Such genetic studies can help in understanding the causes of such diseases.
*Heart and neurological diseases: It can be useful in understanding the difference in heart disease and mental disorders in men and women.
*Genetics vs. hormones: This discovery will help in separating genetic and hormonal effects, which will give a new direction to medical research.
Scientists claim
Researchers say that the high activity of the SHOX gene on the Y chromosome and its low activity on the inactive X chromosome is the main reason for the difference in height of men and women. This is a big step in understanding the gender-based characteristics of the human body.
Future prospects
Medical research: In understanding the causes of gender-based physical and mental diseases.
Genetic studies: In understanding gender differences in other physical characteristics (such as weight, strength).
Health Policies: To create better policies on issues related to height and health.
