Gene mutations occur randomly in our DNA and can be inherited from parents. deCODE sequenced 14,688 Icelanders and found that fathers pass on four times as many new genetic mutations as mothers, and older fathers are more likely to pass on mutations linked to rare childhood diseases and disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. Men pass on more mutations because they produce sperm throughout their lives and the DNA replication process is imperfect. Women pass on fewer mutations because they are born with all the eggs they will ever have.
Gene mutations are alterations that appear randomly in our DNA and we can receive new genetic mutations from our parents that occurred in sperm and egg cells. All humans are born with around 60 new genetic mutations passed on from our parents, and while most of these abnormalities have little or no effect on how our bodies or brains function, some of these mutations are thought to be responsible for rare childhood diseases. Icelandic genetics company deCODE wanted to get a better idea of exactly where (or more accurately, who) these mutations came from, so they sequenced the genomes of 14,688 Icelanders. Their findings indicate that fathers pass on four times as many new genetic mutations to their offspring as do mothers. Older parents are also more likely to pass on mutations, especially older fathers. The researchers found that, on average, men pass on a genetic mutation every eight months of age, while women pass on a mutation every three years.
Older fathers, new problems:
On average, a 30-year-old father passes on 45 mutations, while a 40-year-old father passes on 60 mutations. A 30-year-old mother and a 40-year-old mother would pass on about 10 and 13 mutations, respectively.
Men pass on more mutations because they produce sperm throughout their lives and because the DNA replication process is imperfect. Women pass on fewer mutations because they are born with all the eggs they will ever have.
Previous research has shown that children born to older fathers have a higher risk of developing disorders such as autism, schizophrenia and intellectual disabilities. Scientists say new mutations could be to blame.
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