Essay: Magic as a Gene

Feb 16, 2006 16:32

Fandom: Harry Potter ( Read more... )

fandom: harry potter, type: essay

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ressie_noldo February 17 2006, 07:46:18 UTC
I remember this! (I wrote one as well, I believe.)

Also, science-y idea that just hit me - OMG polygenic inheritance. :) Makes a LOT of sense - you can have one or two of those genes and not be a wizard, and also allows for variation in talent. And some can be dominant, some recessive. Loads of scope for mess and bell-curve distribution there.

Squibs = mutation is a good idea, though - genes perhaps code for something so delicate/intricate that a 'dropped' letter throws the whole thing out of whack. (Much like most mutations in the middle if really important genes, now that I think about it.)

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avendya February 19 2006, 04:04:33 UTC
Yes! That works!

And that would explain squibs as well, because they don't have the correct genes, but they have some (so they can see dementors). A mutation of a polygenic gene would be perfect.

You know how sad this is, that we actually think about this stuff.

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ressie_noldo February 19 2006, 04:06:33 UTC
And of course genes with varying sway over ability, so that depending on the version of the gene your capability is influenced. Squibs obviously have mutations in the more 'important' genes.

Yeah, we are rather sad. But it's more fun than not.

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avendya February 19 2006, 04:14:58 UTC
Hey, you're online at the same time I am!

So untalented children come from talented parents, and vice versa. It's like IQ, in a way.

Yes - that would explain a lot. There are many people who are Muggles in the intelligence department, if you get what I'm saying.

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acciochocolate May 29 2006, 08:42:56 UTC
Good essay! Came over from Ressie's LJ to read it. :) And why are there so many Muggles in the intelligence sense?

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