The Cheating Gene: Myth Or Reality?

In the wake of a cheating scandal involving Tiger Woods and his family, the discussion around the existence of the so-called "cheating gene" is being resumed. People are speculating that men who cheat have a copy of a "cheating gene," suggesting a genetic explanation to why men are compelled to cheat. Others are saying an inclination to cheat is purely conditional and is something that a man chooses to do. In other words, opponents of the "cheating gene" argument say that men can, in fact, help their urge to cheat because it is not genetic.

First of all, men and women are nearly 100% genetically identical. The only significant genetic difference between men and women is in the genetic make-up of their sex cells -- egg cells and sperm. Egg cells come with two X-chromosomes, while sperm cells are made up of X and Y-chromosomes. So, saying that men have a "cheating gene" would automatically imply that women must have a "cheating gene" as well.

On the other hand, biologically men have evolved in a way that makes them ready to mate with any female any time of the day under any circumstances. Just because if it was any other way, it is doubtful that humans would have ever out-survived dinosaurs. So, one can say it is "in men's genes" to cheat, which in Bronze Age terms would really just mean "get as many females as possible to make sure you leave as many of your offspring as possible, so that at least one would survive." Of course, nowadays men do not have to cheat to ensure the continuation of the human species, but one can say the biological drive that was built in the span of millions of years is not that easy to get rid of.

Interestingly, a scientific study out of Sweden examined a possible genetic explanation for cheaters and determined that the AVPR1A gene might be to blame. The study titled "Genetic variation in the vasopressin receptor 1a gene (AVPR1A) associates with pair-bonding behavior in humans" found that men who had variation 334 in the AVPR1A gene reported more difficulties in their relationships. Carrying two copies of the variant was linked to twice the risk of marital dysfunction. Men with one or no copies of the allele carried less risk. Scientists did not elaborate on whether the same effect was observed in females, but they did say that gene AVPR1A was responsible for the secretion of vasopressin that affects emotional interaction, and it was found that females were not as susceptible to vasopressin fluctuations.

Today, Tyra Banks will examine the alleged phenomenon of "cheating gene" on Tyra Banks Show. On her show, Banks will ask "Are we born to cheat?" The show will feature men who claim they can't stop cheating because their infidelity is in their genes. Banks will bring an astrosexologist on board in an attempt to help her viewers figure out if their significant other is cheating.