--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: MAO-A variants show other important…" description: "\"“MAO-A variants show other important gene/environment interactions. For example, in one study the low-activity MAO-A variant predicts criminality, but ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/603/robert-m-sapolsky-1166_gene-environment_mao-a-variants-show-other-important-gene_2840125.png" --- # MAO-A variants show other important gene/environment… ![“MAO-A variants show other important gene/environment interactions. For example, in one study the low-activity MAO-A variant predicts criminality, but only if coupled with high testosterone levels” quote by Robert M. Sapolsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/603/robert-m-sapolsky-1166_gene-environment_mao-a-variants-show-other-important-gene_2840125.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/603/robert-m-sapolsky-1166_gene-environment_mao-a-variants-show-other-important-gene_2840125.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/603/robert-m-sapolsky-1166_gene-environment_mao-a-variants-show-other-important-gene_2840125.png) > ““MAO-A variants show other important gene/environment interactions. For example, in one study the low-activity MAO-A variant predicts criminality, but only if coupled with high testosterone levels”” [Robert M. Sapolsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-m-sapolsky/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Low‑activity MAO‑A genes link to criminality only when combined with high testosterone, showing gene‑environment interaction. **In simple terms:** Genes plus hormones influence behavior. Key Takeaway Consider both biology and context. Themes biology behavior gene‑environment interaction Mood analytical cautious Type scientific informative When to use this quote - legal system - education - health policy Key Concepts neuroscience psychology Questions to Reflect On - How do environment and biology shape actions? - What interventions help at‑risk individuals? A Different Perspective Not all with with low MAO‑A become criminals. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Gene Environment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gene-environment-2345099/) [Mao Variant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mao-variant-3719682/) [Mao Variants](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mao-variants-3719683/) [Variant Predicts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/variant-predicts-3719684/) [Variants Important](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/variants-important-3719685/) ## Related quotes > [“Another gene/environment interaction pertains to depression, a disease involving serotonin abnormalities.33 A gene called 5HTT codes for a transporter that removes serotonin from the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-m-sapolsky/another-gene-environment-interaction-pertains-to-depression-a-disease/) [Robert M. Sapolsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-m-sapolsky/) > [“Having the low-activity version of MAO-A tripled the likelihood … but only in people with a history of severe childhood abuse. And if there…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-m-sapolsky/having-the-low-activity-version-of-mao-a-tripled-the-likelihood-but/) [Robert M. Sapolsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-m-sapolsky/) > [“Study a gene in only one environment and, by definition, you’ve eliminated the ability to see if it works differently in other environments (in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-m-sapolsky/study-a-gene-in-only-one-environment-and-by-definition-you-ve/) [Robert M. 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Sapolsky quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-m-sapolsky/) ## More Gene Environment quotes > [It is important to consider whether the sample size selected by the Environmental Genome Project will provide sufficient power to discover most alleles relevant…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-wilson/it-is-important-to-consider-whether-the-sample-size-selected-by-the/) [Samuel Wilson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-wilson/) > [“Another gene/environment interaction pertains to depression, a disease involving serotonin abnormalities.33 A gene called 5HTT codes for a transporter that removes serotonin from the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-m-sapolsky/another-gene-environment-interaction-pertains-to-depression-a-disease/) [Robert M. Sapolsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-m-sapolsky/) > [Genes are not simple triggers. No one is hardwired to commit murder or any other crime. 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