Men over 40 have a higher risk of fathering a child with autism than do men under 30 because they have a higher frequency of ________ in their sperm-producing cells.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As men age, the frequency of random genetic mutations in their sperm-producing cells increases, which could increase the risk of having a child with autism. Telomeres are protective caps on the ends of chromosomes and teratogens are substances that can cause birth defects, neither of which correlate with autism risk. There is no known relationship between mirroring activity and autism risk.

Men Over 40 Have a Higher Risk of Fathering a Child