Length of the Y chromosome in criminal males

Abstract

The length of the Y chromosome has been measured in 140 newborn boys (constituting a 10 % random sample of 1,400) and in 407 criminal males. The distribution was normal in both groups, but the mean length of the Y chromosome was significantly higher in the criminal males, compared with the controls (P < 0.001). Our finClings indicate that there is a correlation between the size of the Y chromosome and the risk of criminality, with an increased risk of criminality among males with a comparatively large Y chromosome. Previous studies have shown that the variation in the length of the Y chromosome is due to variation in the fluorescent part of the long arms; our finClings indicate that this variation in length of the fluorescent part of the Y chromosome is due to variation in DNA content and not only to difference in spiralization.