Superheroes: A Genetic Analysis

Superheroes are known from comic books and movies. There’s that science fiction that a person can turn into a superhero from a bite from a radioactive spider, or from being dropped in a vat of toxic waste. In real life, there are people born with “superpowers” thanks to modern technology.

There are different methods for people to obtain “superhuman” powers. Through gene mutation, gene therapy, and medication. Gene mutations occur when there are two different mutations in both parents. They both had some kind of gene mutation that combined and was passed down to their child, and that caused the “superhuman” power. Other modifications like the CRISPR/Cas9 method, which uses “molecular scissors” that target one genotype. Gene therapy is when the

Two alleles, one from each parent, creates the mutation that leads to an increase in speed. ACTN3 works with actin filaments to coordinate muscle contractions found in fast twitching muscles. There are two variants of the gene. The R variant and the X variant. You get one of each variant from your parents. However you need a XX or RR to get the benefits of this mutation. The R variant controls the production of ACTN3, which creates faster muscle contractions. This helps runners become more explosive when sprinting. The X variant stop the production of ACTN3 and produces more ACTN2. This protein is better suited for endurance runners because it allows muscles to last

Implications concerning are of long-term, religion, economic, and ethical. Long-term effects are “improving” the human bloodline. Mutated genes or “superpowers” can be passed down to newer generations. Social implications like religion is always a factor. Some religions believe that mutations are a “violation of god’s laws” and that doctors are playing god. Economical implications, which is deciding who gets to control the superhuman genes and how much a person gets. Some military can order soldiers to take certain drugs to enhance their abilities for their work in the army. Soldiers don’t always give consent to take the drugs or gene therapy, and some become addicted and misuse the drugs. There could also be some errors in trying to change DNA. It’s also another step towards “designer babies,” which is the genetic modification of human embryo. Somewhere in the future, we’ll be able to change certain characteristics in our future children. We’ll be able to change eye color, hair color, height, and maybe intelligence level.

Pros for superhumans is that the mutations can enhance cosmetics and athleticism and can also prevent diseases. Superhuman powers can evolve to grow immunity to certain illnesses. Cons for superhumans is that it can endanger people’s safety and well-being if they decide to go along with genetic mutation or gene therapy.

In conclusion, we believe that superhumans are an advancement in science. Superhumans can help science create new drugs to make other