Dental Admissions Test (DAT) Practice Test

What causes premature male pattern baldness?

1. X Chromosome

2. Y Chromosome

3. Autosomal Chromosome

4. Mitochondrial DNA

The correct answer is: X Chromosome

One possible explanation for premature male pattern baldness is the inheritance of a gene located on the X chromosome. This gene can lead to hair loss in men if it is passed down from their mother. It is not caused by the Y chromosome, which carries genes related to male characteristics but not hair loss. Autosomal chromosomes, which are responsible for most traits, are also not responsible for premature male pattern baldness. Additionally, mitochondrial DNA, which is passed down from the mother, does not play a role in this type of hair loss. Therefore, the most likely cause of premature male pattern baldness is the inheritance of a gene on the X chromosome.