Generally we assume we get 50% of our genes from our father and 50% from our mother, right? Turns out that’s not the case with a lot of our genes. And what about genes for intelligence? Experts say we’re more likely to get intelligence from our mother’s genes than from our father’s.
So, I do a lot of research on genes for several reasons:
1) General scientific knowledge is helpful as a mystery author — DNA and such tends to show up in crime scenes like the ones I write….
2) In my Hunt for Jack Reacher thriller Jack and Joe, the Hunt for Jack Reacher leads to Joe Reacher. Which led to the question, how much and what sorts of genes do brothers share?
3) My book Blood Trails stars Michael Flint, Heir Hunter. The search for an heir requires several talents. Among them are logical deduction skills and wise use of science which often takes us to the study of DNA.
My discovery of this piece of DNA news about intelligence can be explained this way:
Females have two X chromosomes. Males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. All children get an X chromosome from their mother, and either an X or Y chromosome from their father (thus determining their sex.)
Intelligence genes are attached to the X chromosome. So, since a mother always contributes an X chromosome to the child, chances are greater that her intelligence will be influential.
How’s this for a statement about the power of the female brain?:
“Researchers have not found any paternal cells in the cerebral cortex, which is where are developed the most advanced cognitive functions, such as intelligence, thought, language and planning.”
–Psychology-Spot
If you enjoy a mystery with a strong heroine, or a story involving intelligent men (who get it from their mothers…), you will enjoy my books! You can find all of them listed HERE.
