Q
I was adopted as a child. I recently found my birth mother and found out my father was a violent rapist. I have two teenage sons. Is there a hereditary predisposition gene that is passed on? I have heard that criminals pass on their violent genes. Is this true?
A
''Nature versus nurture'' describes the ongoing debate about whether genetics or environment most influence future behavior. Unless you see behavior signals in your sons that concern you, I'd suggest forgetting about the issue. There isn't likely a ''rapist'' gene, and if your boys have grown up in a non-violent environment, that's likely what will guide their lives.