2007-09-09 15:18:39 · 7 answers · asked by Kiruga 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
As I recall (verify for yourself) there is a chromosome that differs between men and women: women have two "Y" chromosomes and men a "Y" chromosome and and "X" chromosome which is missing some of the genes found on the X chromosome, including genes associated with hair loss. The genes apparently producing baldness are recessive - in women, there are dominant genes on the other Y chromosome which prevent baldness; in men. there are not other genes, and therefore they become bald.
Men are susceptible to certain genetically based diseases (e.g., muscular dystrophy) for the same reason. Women don't get MD, but they can pass the relevant gene(s) to their offspring, and their sons may get sick.
2007-09-09 15:34:40 · answer #1 · answered by mr_fartson 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's not quite true. Most womens hair gets quite a bit more sparse as they grow older. And some of them actually --do-- get bald. But it's fairly uncommon.
Baldness is a gender-linked chromosome that is passed (oddly enough) by the female. If your maternal grandfather was bald, there is a good chance that you will also be bald. But if your maternal grandfather had a full head of hair in late life, even if your paternal grandfather was bald as an egg, it's a very remote probability that you'll be bald.
Doug
2007-09-09 22:31:39 · answer #2 · answered by doug_donaghue 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because pattern baldness is on the x- chromosome and is easily inherited by men because they only have one x- chromosome. However, women need two copies of x-chromosomes that contain the trait for baldness, so, although it seems as though women are never bald, some do, and it is possible.
2007-09-09 22:29:20 · answer #3 · answered by Shelley 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some women do experience pattern baldness, but because of the difference in their genetic make-up, it is much less likely.
2007-09-09 22:23:03 · answer #4 · answered by Jack 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Men grow heads?
2007-09-09 22:54:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Something to do with male testosterone. Certain genetics cause the hair to fall outas a result of too much hormone. Although women do have some testosterone in their bodies, it's much less, so those who are prone to balding suffer less from it.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3068970/site/newsweek/
2007-09-09 22:33:09 · answer #6 · answered by demos_jones 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because they all wear wigs !
2007-09-09 22:22:56 · answer #7 · answered by vlee1225 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋