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Outside sources may be the cause of violence, but many scientists believe that violence tendencies may be genetic. Monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) is a gene located on the X-chromosome. It controls neurotransmitters, including serotonin, a hormone that controls emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Another neurotransmitter is dopamine, which controls feelings of pleasure and motivation. When a person has a low-activity MAO-A, these neurotransmitters are inactive. Males are especially prone to a low-activity MAO-A gene because they inherit only one X-chromosome and therefore have a lesser chance of receiving a high-activity MAO-A gene. Females receive two X-chromosomes and, in turn, two chances of receiving a high-activity MAO-A gene. Studies show that males who inherited the low-activity MAO-A and suffered from abuse in his childhood were nine times more likely to be more prone to violent behavior than males that were abused, but do not have a low-activity MAO-A gene. One-third of all males carry the low-activity variant of this gene . (www.reasons.com/rb/rb080702.shtml)