You’re born gay or straight, sexuality is written in a man’s DNA, scientists believe
Two distinct areas of genes play a role in a man's sexual orientation, scientists in the US believe
BEING gay could be in your DNA, a study claims.
Scientists have found sections of genes that may influence whether a man is gay or straight.
The findings boost arguments that homosexuality is a matter of biology, not choice.
U.S. researchers from NorthShore University in Illinois scanned the DNA of 1,100 gay and 1,200 straight fellas.
They found two distinct areas of genes they believe play a part in male sexual orientation.
Lead researcher Dr Alan Sanders said: “The goal of this study was to search for genetic underpinnings of male sexual orientation, and thus ultimately increase our knowledge of biological mechanisms underlying sexual orientation.
“What we have accomplished is a first step.
“Understanding the origins of sexual orientation enables us to learn a great deal about sexual motivation, sexual identity, gender identity and sex differences, and this and subsequent work may take us further down that path of discovery.”
The two genes regions linked to sexual orientation were located on chromosomes 13 and 14.
The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, raises fears that parents could one day use gene testing to discover the sexuality of their unborn child.
British experts said more research was needed.
Professor Gil McVean, from Oxford University, said: “The researchers have found weak evidence for genetic variation that influences self-reported sexual preferences in men.
“It is – at best – preliminary.
“The genetic effects are far too weak to be of any predictive or diagnostic value.”
Professor Robin Lovell-Badge, Group Leader at The Francis Crick Institute, said: “Even if a gene variant does show some correlation with sexual orientation, this does not mean that the gene is in any way responsible for being gay.”
Up to five per cent of adults identify as gay.
Hormonal effects in the womb may be one factor influencing sexuality.
A Canadian study found the more older brothers a man has, the greater the chance he will be gay.
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It suggests changes in a mum’s immune response while pregnant may play a role in determining sexuality.
And Essex University research into identical twins has revealed when kids begin to show if they are straight or gay.
The age is around eight for boys and six for girls.