Stem cells in the testicles divide constantly through a man's life in a process that leads to the production of sperm. By age 40, research suggests, about 660 such divisions have taken place. Mutations can also occur from exposure to radiation or chemicals over a man's life. Other illnesses, defects In contrast, the divisions of cells that produce a woman's eggs occur only before birth. No studies, however, have found any relationship between mutations in older fathers and a psychiatric illness.
Schizophrenia runs in families, and is known to have a strong genetic component.
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