A variant of the Xlinked MAOA gene also known as the warrior

A variant of the X-linked MAOA gene, also known as the \"warrior gene\", has been associated with increased aggressive behavior in people who experienced abuse as children. The MAOA gene codes for a protein enzyme called monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), which breaks down the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline, and thus can influence mood and behavior. The warrior variant of this gene is about 30 bases shorter and causes a lower production of the enzyme. Some recent court cases have allowed for the inclusion of genetic analysis for the warrior gene. In two such cases, the result of these analyses have lead to reduced sentences for individuals convicted of excessively violent crimes who also had the warrior gene. Please read the following news articles explaining how genetic analysis of the warrior gene influenced sentencing in these court cases. Describe all of the ways that the trait of aggressive behavior deviates from traditional Mendelian inheritance patterns. Should genetic analysis of the warrior gene or other such genes associated with behavior be used to influence criminal sentencing in court cases? Explain why or why not. What could be a limitation to the use of behavioral genotyping information in a criminal trial?

Solution

A variant of MAOA gene MAOA-L find in around 40% of population. This is general but does not exhibit violation maximally. The person having this gene is generally peaceful or might have general antisocial tendencies. The main gene which produces extreme mood swings and violation is developed by mutation. This mutation associated disease is Brunner syndrome.

The variant gene which produce low amount of monoamine oxidase is counted in male and female by presence of number of repeats of allele. The repeats are certain patterns associated to X chromosome. Females generally escape from having the trait because of two X chromosome. During their trait study if repeats are found 3 or more show normal. But 3 repeats allele in males are indication of having low production of enzyme. So the trait of aggressive behavior is not associated with Mendelian inheritance pattern. If number of alleles is present in adequate amount then person will not have the trait.

It can use to cut the sentencing of a criminal on the basis of MAOA genetic analysis. However the abusive childhood alos increase the trait. So, the case associated with this gene can be freed or lowered the sentencing on the basis of medically unfit case.