Alien Genetics Project



Your Name __________________ Partner’s Name __________________

The Genetics of SuperHeros

Superheroes and their sidekicks are powered by the S FACTOR which gives them their superpowers - everybody knows this except for some sourpusses. Recent research into the Superheroes related characters’ chromosomal make-up has revealed somewhat surprising evidence.

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This branch of science received a gigantic boost when it was finally realized that instead of wasting time thinking about how superheroes can fool people simply by wearing eyeglasses or how they fit into their skintight suits or whether it’s smart to wear a cape or not, that the more fruitful route was to investigate and discover the actual source of their Superpowers.

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This has met with some skepticism from a few sourpusses who enjoy disappointing geeks and nerds and us normal folk with "hard facts". Ultimately we hope that they may come to understand the significance of the S Factor - gene therapy which has been downplayed by some of the more recalcitrant individuals.

As we all know, the DNA that carries the plan to make an entire you is contained in the nucleus of each body cell (trillions of them) and arranged in structures called chromosomes. Chromosomes usually hang around in pairs and most people have 23 pairs.

Superheroes characters have a similar genetic make-up to everyone else, except that they have 3 extra chromosomes - this is known as Trisomy 25 - (for the 25th level of the quantum state).

These extra chromosomes are uniquely shaped and can be easily identified in a karyotype (picture of all the chromosomes) of Superman taken from a hair follicle found on his cape when Lois Lane took it in to get dry cleaned in Metropolis on December 12th, 2011 (credit - Mr. Precious Mtungi from Old Town, Mombasa, Kenya for spotting this after being rescued by him from a planet eating quantum monster).

The unusual shape of the chromosomes is in large part responsible for the Superhero’s characters’ unique form of powers, especially the third chromosome.

Further evidence has come to light that shows that other SuperHero characters such as Aquaman have one or more of these chromosome 25's in either a recessive or dominant form (fecal sample found and analyzed quickly by a special fixation procedure in a mixture of seawater and beer (credit - Anuradha Patel, Nilambur, Kerala, India on an underwater dive photographing his latest adventure).

SuperHero Karyotype

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Finally, another DNA sample derived from another hair follicle found inside a sweater thought to have come from one of Buffy the Vampire slayers hair after a shopping spree while trying it on at Macys shows linkage as well as incomplete and codominance aspects (credit - Brenda McNamara in NYC, NY).

Thus the following picture has been assembled:

1. The first of the chromosome 25's known as the "Atom Bomb" - it is curiously shaped akin to an atom, with telomeres that increasingly resemble electron valences with age.

2. The second form of chromosome 25 is known as the "Zeus Homolog" - it resembles, as some say a lightening bolt, though any similarity is regarded by the scientific community as fanciful.

3. The third and most mysterious of the three chromosome 25 homologues is called the "Sparkling Homolog" - it is oddly starred-formed, but of course it doesn't look like the Star on anybody's Christmas Tree, no siree bob, as that would be daft.

The Significance of the Chromosome 25 Homologues

1. The "Atom Bomb Homolog" is thought to contain the basic structure of Superhero’s powers. Traits such as super strength, faster than normal speed and breathing underwater are found on this chromosome. In essence, any super-enhanced basic body function.

a. It is also hypothesized to be found in limited forms in the various sidekicks such as Robin, some of the lesser known superheroes and somewhat controversially in DNA that is thought to also be found in children born to superhero characters who marry ordinary humans.

2. The second homolog, the " Zeus Homolog" is thought to contain the next level of superhero power. It also introduces the "human element" to Superhero’s. Sometimes the chromosome is present, sometimes blended or incomplete depending on the length of the chromosome and the genes linked on it – its strength being directly proportional to the presence of the power characteristic when viewed with a standard optical microscope.

3. The third homolog, the " Sparkling Homolog " is as so far discovered, the most unusual and rarest chromosome of all, probably eclipsing "Krypton Super", which while only found on earth in Superman is thought to be a common dominant on the yet unfound planet Krypton. This chromosome is the one where recombination and unusual mutations are likely to arise.

a. The Sparkling Homologue is purported to be the location of such genes as:

i. ESP and other paranormal abilities (ex. fortune telling, prediction, empathic senses)

ii. Affinities to earth, wind, fire or air elements or characteristics (ex. spidy senses)

iii. Super intelligence. Spiritual enhancements and time traveling etc.

So Where Lies the Research?

• Superhero research is an especially unique branch of science.

• Current research is focused on the following:

o Concept: powers centered on an idea, allowing essentially any effect related to it.

▪ Examples: Boundary Manipulation, Subjective Reality, Absolute Existence

o Function: powers centered on what they do, usually specialized on relatively specific fields.

▪ Examples: Creation, Destruction and most Manipulations

o Mechanism: powers centered of the manipulation of immanent laws of reality.

▪ Examples: Physics Manipulation, Virtual Warping, Causality Manipulation

o Source: powers centered on its origin (usually supernatural) allowing a variety of applications.

▪ Examples: Magic, Supernatural Dominion, Lordship abilities

o Unfathomable: powers without actual cause/mechanism, defined as beyond understanding.

▪ Examples : Logic Manipulation, Metapotence, Author Authority

• List of powers and their functions can be found at the following website

o

Funding for this research is continually being sought and is somewhat unique as might be expected of the field. Good deeds and kindnesses especially by children and especially if the recipient is a stranger and deserving, boost funding in a sort of universal karma sort of way.

Keeping the law and abiding by the Justice league rules also helps to boost the research as do being good, eating all your vegetables and not letting the Super heroes’ sourpusses who "don't get it" from bothering anyone.

Warning - if anything on this page is congruent with the truth - it is either by accident rather than device or specifically for comedic effect - webmaster

SuperHero Character Genetics Project

DUE: Tuesday, Wednesday Apr 3/4, 2018

|Major Understandings |

|What you need to show me that you know… |

|In sexual reproduction, ½ of an offspring’s genes come from each parent. Sexually produced offspring are not identical to parents.|

|Some traits are controlled by dominant and recessive alleles. |

|Some traits are controlled by incomplete dominance. |

|The chances of traits being expressed in offspring can be determined using Punnett Squares. |

|Evolutionary adaptations and connections and explanations as to WHY these traits evolved and what particular mutations arose from |

|which Human/SuperHero traits to create said character and his or her family. |

|What you will do to demonstrate your understandings… |

|You and your partner will create a Genetic Profile of a famous SuperHero Character (assigned to you) and their family with traits, |

|genotypes and phenotypes, as well as explanations and evolutionary connections booklet. |

|Directions |

|What steps you will take to complete this project… |

|Step 0 |You will be assigned a Partner and both of you a famous SuperHero Character. |

|Step 1 |Decide on 5 SuperHero traits e.g. superspeed, mindmeld or ESP, etc and 1 normal Human trait. Be creative!! |

|Step 2 |Decide how each trait is inherited, either by dominant/recessive alleles or incomplete |

| |dominance/co-dominance. At least 1 trait must be controlled by incomplete dominance and another by |

| |co-dominance. Sex-linkage |

|Step 3 |Make a table to show the genotypes and phenotypes that are possible for each trait. Use a different letter |

| |for each trait. Avoid letters that look the same capitalized and in lowercase e.g. Avoid “z, s, o”. (See |

| |Table 1) |

|Step 4 |Decide on the genotypes and phenotypes of each parent for each trait. Fill in table 2. Don’t forget to |

| |incorporate the SuperHero 25s homologues chromosomes. |

|Step 5 |Make 6 Punnett Squares to predict possible genotypes for each trait given the parents’ genotypes. |

|Step 6 |From the Punnett Squares, choose the genotype and phenotype of each baby for each trait. Fill in Table 3. |

|Step 7 |Create a booklet illustrating with pictures and diagrams the various SuperHero characters’ traits and a |

| |possible explanation of what mutation could have occurred from what trait to give rise to the characters |

| |unique SuperHero Genetic Profile (evolutionary connection). Include drawings of each parent and the 2 |

| |possible babies SuperHero characters that show their phenotypes for each trait as well as all Punnet |

| |squares. |

|How you will be graded… |

|(250 points) |

|Table 1 |Includes 6 different traits |

|(50 pts) |At least one trait is controlled by incomplete dominance. |

| |At least 1 trait controlled by co-dominance. |

| |Each trait is given a different letter. |

| |Phenotypes and genotypes for dominant and recessive traits are correctly filled in with |

| |three using the SuperHero 25 chromosomes/genes. |

|Punnett Squares |All 6 Punnett Squares are correctly filled in i.e. Parent’s gametes are across top and |

|(60 pts) |sides and boxes filled with correct genes. Again include 3 SuperHero 25s |

| |chromosomes/genes. |

|Table 2 & 3 |All boxes are filled in correctly. |

|(30 pts) |Offspring’s genotypes and phenotypes are possible given parents’ genotypes and Punnett |

| |Squares. |

|Booklet |Booklet illustrating the SuperHero Characters Family Tree is neat and labeled e.g. Mom, |

|(110 pts) |Dad, Baby #1, and Baby #2 etc. Each individual trait illustrated. Evolutionary connection |

| |made and a story for each told as to HOW that SuperHero Character evolved with those |

| |unique traits creating their genetic profile. Title page, acknowledgements, as well as |

| |glossary for scientific terms are included. |

| |Set-Up of Booklet: |

| |Title Page |

| |Acknowledgement |

| |Table of Contents |

| |Introduction: Purpose of Booklet and description of the two SuperHeros |

| |SuperHero Tables 1-3 |

| |SuperHero Punnet Squares 1-6 with each genotype, phenotype and associated ratios |

| |Explanation of each trait (Can include under each punnet square for that trait) |

| |Pedigree: Using one main trait to show SuperHero Family tree |

| |Two Cladograms: Show evolution of BOTH Parental SuperHeros |

| |Story-the evolution of Both SuperHeros |

| |Father then |

| |Mother |

| |Drawing of Dad, Mom and children (one male and one female) |

| |Glossary-Genetic and Special SuperHero powers and abilities words |

| |Citations: 3 scholarly articles on cutting edge Genetics research/techniques used in your |

| |SuperHero power genetics explanation |

|Project |3D Model: a) Model of Parents with children, b) Model of Evolutionary Cladogram of one of |

|(100 pts) |the SuperHeros or c) Pedigree of the family illustrating inheritance of one of the |

| |SuperPower traits. |

Table 1: SuperHero Character race traits

|Trait |Dominant |Recessive |

|Example: |Phenotype: |Phenotype: |

|Eye Color |Green sparkles |Silver |

| |Genotype: GG, Gg |Genotype: gg |

|1. |Phenotype: |Phenotype: |

| | | |

| | | |

| |Genotypes: |Genotype: |

| | | |

|2. |Phenotype: |Phenotype: |

| | | |

| | | |

| |Genotypes: |Genotype: |

| | | |

|3. |Phenotype: |Phenotype: |

| | | |

| | | |

| |Genotypes: |Genotype: |

| | | |

|4. |Phenotype: |Phenotype: |

| | | |

| | | |

| |Genotypes: |Genotype: |

| | | |

|5. |Phenotype: |Phenotype: |

| | | |

| | | |

| |Genotypes: |Genotype: |

| | | |

Incomplete dominance:

|Trait | | | |

|6. |Phenotype: |Phenotype: |Phenotype: |

| | | | |

| | | | |

| |Genotype: |Genotype: |Genotype: |

| | | | |

|Co-Dominance | | | |

|Trait | | | |

|7. |Phenotype: |Phenotype: |Phenotype: |

| | | | |

| | | | |

| |Genotype: |Genotype: |Genotype: |

| | | | |

Table 2: The Parents

Decide what the parents’ genotype and phenotype will be for each trait.

| |Mom |Dad |

| Trait |Genotype |Phenotype |Genotype |Phenotype |

|1. | | | | |

| | | | | |

|2. | | | | |

| | | | | |

|3. | | | | |

| | | | | |

|4. | | | | |

| | | | | |

|5. | | | | |

| | | | | |

|6. | | | | |

| | | | | |

Table 3: The Offspring

| |Baby #1 |Baby #2 |

| Trait |Genotype |Phenotype |Genotype |Phenotype |

|1. | | | | |

| | | | | |

|2. | | | | |

| | | | | |

|3. | | | | |

| | | | | |

| | | | | |

|4. | | | | |

| | | | | |

|5. | | | | |

| | | | | |

|6. | | | | |

| | | | | |

Punnett Squares: After you have decided on the parents, complete the Punnett squares to see what kinds of kids are possible. Then circle Baby #1 and Baby #2’s genotypes for each trait and put it in Table 3.

1. Trait: ____________________ 4. Trait: ____________________

2. Trait: ____________________ 5. Trait: ____________________

3. Trait: ____________________ 6. Trait: ____________________

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