History Main / MagicGenetics

* Most mutants in ''ComicBook/XMen'' such as Storm have the ability to use physically impossible powers as a result of their mutation. [[DependingOnTheWriter Sometimes]] they come from a mutation of ''a single gene''. Justified in-universe via experimentation on proto-humanity by a race of {{sufficiently advanced alien}}s. Comparable to how {{freak lab accident}}s can give normal humans superpowers in the Franchise/MarvelUniverse, the infamous "x-factor"/"mutant gene" serves to makes the activation of these powers a natural part of the mutant's biology. The ''Galacta: Daughter of Galactus'' mini-series claims that the X-factor actually gives all mutants the same power: [[RealityWarper the ability to bend reality]]. [[RealityWarpingIsNotAToy None of them can consciously control this power]], so it manifests in different ways, giving the appearance of different mutant powers.

* All powers in ''Series/{{Mutant X}}'' come from genetic experiments conducted by Genomex and [[spoiler:the Dominion]]. These powers include generating electricity, density manipulation, throwing energy balls, time travel, etc.

** Played with in ''VideoGame/MassEffectAndromeda'' with the Kett. Their use of genetic engineering is so advanced that they have the technology to [[spoiler: make a lifeform transform into a different lifeform in less than a minute. In fact, this is how they reproduce]]. However, the fact that their genetic technology is commented on in-universe to be shocking implies that their genetic engineering technology is a case of SufficientlyAdvancedTechnology, thus explaining the lack of realism.
* A recurring theme in ''VideoGame/StarOceanTillTheEndOfTime''

[[folder:Web Comics]]
* Reasonably justified in ''Webcomic/{{Homestuck}}''.

* Creator/WildStorm has Apollo from ''ComicBook/TheAuthority'', genetically engineered to fly and fire solar blasts, the "gen-factor" of ''ComicBook/Gen13'' and its spinoffs, and the [[ComicBook/WildCATSWildStorm WildC.A.T.S.]], who get their powers from [[HalfHumanHybrid alien DNA]].
* The Meta-gene of Creator/DCComics. A single gene that provides every possible super-power. Various HumanAliens like ComicBook/{{Superman}}, the ComicBook/LegionOfSuperHeroes, ComicBook/MartianManhunter, etc. also attribute their abilities to genetics -- [[LegoGenetics transfer their DNA]] into a human, and that human becomes super-powered.

* In ''Comicbook/StrontiumDog'', Johnny's mother gets caught in a fallout shower while eight months pregnant with Johnny; as a result, Johnny's eyes mutate to be able to emit alpha particles, which gives him XRayVision and limited telepathy. Not only is this biologically impossible, but alpha particles do not work that way! In fairness, however, Johnny is an exception; 99.9% of the other mutants are just disfigured, with the lucky ones getting extra body parts.
* Attempted to be {{justified|Trope}} in ''ComicBook/UltimateFantasticFour'', at least with Mr. Fantastic and the Human Torch. Johnny's powers come from his nuclear fusion, using his body as an energy source. Reed is able to stretch and not crush his organs because all he has in the way of organs is a colony of symbiotic bacteria who take in food and air and give his body nutrition. Their origin is {{justified|Trope}} as well now too, as their powers are not from cosmic radiation anymore, but rather from swapping bodies with a double from another universe. He should just pray he'll never catch a disease that requires treatment with antibiotics...

[[folder:Live Action TV]]

* TabletopGame/{{GURPS}} Bio-tech has a section on magical genetic engineering. Along with replicating scientific possibilities, it allows genengineering ability to cast any spell into a not-yet-born child. It is cheaper than making a ordinary magical item, but risks making a PhlebotinumRebel.
** Otherwise, it tries hard to avert this trope. For example, [[WingedHumanoid angel-like wings]] can be genengineered, but don't give ability to fly in 1 G. They might be useful at lower gravity or in a space habitat, through.

* ''VideoGame/{{BioShock|1}}'' is '''made''' of this trope: The game establishes that in-game Plasmids and Gene Tonics work by rewriting their user's genetic code from scratch to allow for fantastic new skills...such as being able to summon fire, lightning, and worst of all, {{bee|BeeGun}}s from your hands.
* Averted in ''Franchise/MassEffect''. Gene therapy is standard issue for soldiers and provided free for citizens by most governments, resulting in widespread perfect vision and hearing, robust immune systems, and a near elimination of genetic disorders in industrialized areas. Only modest physical enhancements are available however, with 8%-12% increases in adrenal response, clotting speed, and muscle retention etc. considered state of the art.
** Played with in ''Videogame/MassEffectAndromeda'' with the Kett. Their use of genetic engineering is so advanced that they have the technology to [[spoiler: make a lifeform transform into a different lifeform in less than a minute. In fact, this is how they reproduce]]. However, the fact that their genetic technology is commented on in-universe to be shocking implies that their genetic engineering technology is a case of SufficientlyAdvancedTechnology, thus explaining the lack of realism.

* This was Deconstructed in ''VideoGame/TabulaRasa''. All player characters are Receptives, or people who have the right sort of genes to allow them to use [[FunctionalMagic Logos]]. However, this is only because those genes are the correct "password" to access Logos Shrines left by the [[BenevolentPrecursors Eloh]] and receive Logos Element information from them. It's essentially a security system the Eloh set up thousands of years ago by modifying some early humans to express those genes.
** What's more, several quests in the game revealed that the AFS was conducting research into providing non-Receptives the same ability to use Logos. Volunteers met horrific ends, such as fast-growing terminal cancers.

* Reasonably justified in ''Webcomic/{{Homestuck}}''. [[spoiler: The main characters aren't genetically related to humanity at all, and their DNA presumably could differ drastically from normal DNA in order to allow their powers. Trolls however play a little looser with DNA and there's at least one distinct sub-species of Troll, so there seems to be wider genetic variability to begin with for them]].
** However, two of the players were born naturally for their species and were never even meant to play the game but still get the powers of their assigned class so the powers may not have a genetic origin.

* ''Webcomic/{{Spinnerette}}'' develops a {{Deconstruction}}. Spinny and her other supra-humans have special genes thanks to lab accidents and mutations, but (since many are scientists themselves) readily admit that genetics is insufficient to explain their incredible physics-defying powers. Instead, their genes allow the Cherenkov-Kirby reaction to occur within their bodies, giving them access to theoretically-unlimited energy. C-K radiation is effectively the setting's {{Phlebotinum}}, and its connection to genetics is not clearly understood.

* Mutants in the Literature/WhateleyUniverse have genetic changes in a host of different genes, labeled the 'meta gene complex', and gain the ability to use some sort of extra-dimensional energy that's supposed to be the power source for the various impossible powers.

* Wildstorm's Comicbook/TheAuthority has Apollo, genetically engineered to fly and fire solar blasts. The "gen-factor" of ComicBook/Gen13 and its spinoffs. [[Comicbook/WildCATSWildStorm WildC.A.T.S.]] get their powers from [[HalfHumanHybrid alien DNA]].
* The Meta-gene of Creator/DCComics. A single gene that provides every possible super-power. Various {{Human Alien}}s like Franchise/{{Superman}}, the ComicBook/LegionOfSuperHeroes, ComicBook/MartianManhunter, etc. also attribute their abilities to genetics -- [[LegoGenetics Transfer their DNA]] into a human, and that human becomes super-powered.
* Certain villains in ''Franchise/SpiderMan'' also have these kinds of abilities. Spider-Man himself ''sort of'' doesn't count as he "does what ever a spider can..."

[[folder: Fan Works]]
* In ''Fanfic/ChildOfTheStorm'', there's an M-Gene and an X-Gene, for magic and mutant powers respectively, though more properly, they're genetic sequences rather than individual genes, making it marginally more plausible. As in Marvel canon, they're derived from experimentation by the Celestials. They tend to run in families, as does the power level, though not invariably. Not only are there squibs, but Jean Grey, [[spoiler: Maddie]], and Harry, being second cousins (on Harry's mother's side and Jean's [[spoiler: and Maddie's]] father's side), share vast PsychicPowers - though Jean [[spoiler: and Maddie]] is significantly stronger than Harry. However, it's noted that while the Grey bloodline had a psychic or two every now and then, most of them were relatively weak, nothing compared to the latest generation. This is partly explained by the fact that they originally descended from a branch of the Clan Askani, which seemed to have lost its psychic spark... until recently.

* Most mutants in ''ComicBook/XMen'' such as ComicBook/{{Storm}} have the ability to use physically impossible powers as a result of their mutation. [[DependingOnTheWriter Sometimes]] they come from a mutation of ''a single gene''. Justified in-universe via experimentation on proto-humanity by a race of {{sufficiently advanced alien}}s. Comparable to how {{freak lab accident}}s can give normal humans superpowers in the Franchise/MarvelUniverse, the infamous "x-factor"/"mutant gene" serves to makes the activation of these powers a natural part of the mutant's biology.
** The ''Galacta: Daughter of Galactus'' mini-series claims that the X-factor actually gives all mutants the same power: [[RealityWarper the ability to bend reality.]] [[RealityWarpingIsNotAToy None of them can consciously control this power]], so it manifests in different ways, giving the appearance of different mutant powers.

* ''Literature/{{Deryni}}'' powers are genetic, though most Deryni must be trained in their use. The trait is described as a dominant one (only one parent needs to be Deryni to produce Deryni offspring, and eggs with the trait are hardier and more fertile). Certain bloodlines, including the Haldanes, also carry the variant trait that permits assumption of the powers and the knowledge to use them without training.

Genetically-based PsychicPowers are automatically a subtrope of this, as are any WitchSpecies. Characters who are RandomlyGifted usually don't gain their powers from genetic sources, or in combination with other non-genetic factors.

If the writer wants to [[MohsScaleOfSciFiHardness firm up the science]], they might say that the genes merely construct nanoscale AppliedPhlebotinum in your cells which acts on "[[QuantumMechanicsCanDoAnything quantum forces not yet discovered]]" or some other HandWave, but it's still really FunctionalMagic given a [[DoingInTheWizard pseudoscience gloss-over]].

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[[quoteright:299:[[WesternAnimation/DannyPhantom https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ectoplasmdna_0.png]]]]
[[caption-width-right:299:''[[ExpositoryThemeTune ♬There was a great big flash, everything just changed\\
His molecules got all rearranged!♬ ]]'']]

Many writers don't know (or [[WillingSuspensionOfDisbelief deliberately ignore]]) that genes are only responsible for protein synthesis. This is when said writers give genes the ability to alter the very laws of physics (or other universal laws) - or at least the ability to do things that would be impossible for a human. In this case genes, instead of a component of cellular biology, might as well be magical talismans carried inside the body. LegoGenetics is often involved as well. Extra fail points if the writer ignores the [[RequiredSecondaryPowers necessary secondary powers]] needed for the FunctionalMagic to actually be ''functional'', such as PhotographicMemory for VoluntaryShapeshifting etc.

* Most mutants in ''ComicBook/XMen'' such as ComicBook/{{Storm}} have the ability to use physically impossible powers as a result of their mutation. [[DependingOnTheWriter Sometimes]] they come from a mutation of ''a single gene''. Justified in-universe via experimentation on proto-humanity by a race of {{sufficiently advanced alien}}s. Comparable to how {{freak lab accident}}s can give normal humans superpowers in the Franchise/MarvelUniverse, the infamous "x-factor"/"mutant gene" serves to makes the activation of these powers a natural part of the mutant's biology.
** The ''Galacta: Daughter of Galactus'' mini-series claims that the X-factor actually gives all mutants the same power: [[RealityWarper the ability to bend reality.]] [[RealityWarpingIsNotAToy None of them can consciously control this power]], so it manifests in different ways, giving the appearance of different mutant powers.

* The Meta-gene of Creator/DCComics. A single gene that provides every possible super-power. Various {{Human Alien}}s like Franchise/{{Superman}}, the ComicBook/LegionOfSuperHeroes, ComicBook/MartianManhunter, etc. also attribute their abilities to genetics-- [[LegoGenetics Transfer their DNA]] into a human, and that human becomes super-powered.
* Wildstorm's Comicbook/TheAuthority has Apollo, genetically engineered to fly and fire solar blasts. The "gen-factor" of ComicBook/Gen13 and its spinoffs. [[Comicbook/WildCATSWildStorm WildC.A.T.S.]] get their powers from [[HalfHumanHybrid alien DNA]].
* In ''Comicbook/StrontiumDog'', Johnny's mother gets caught in a fallout shower while eight months pregnant with Johnny; as a result, Johnny's eyes mutate to be able to emit alpha particles, which gives him XRayVision and limited telepathy. Not only is this biologically impossible, but alpha particles do not work that way! In fairness, however, Johnny is an exception; 99.9% of the other mutants are just disfigured, with the lucky ones getting extra body parts.

* The ''Literature/MaximumRide'' series have children who are "genetically engineered" to have wings. And occasionally other NewPowersAsThePlotDemands. Weirdly, it is implied that the early powers that they spontaneously develop were also engineered into them, to help them fulfil their purpose to "save the world" or whatever. In ''The Final Warning'' though, Jeb comments that they seemed to be randomly mutating and developing powers on their own, which first manifests with Nudge getting ''magnetic control''.
* ''Literature/SkulduggeryPleasant'' has magic running in families, to the extent at least one particular type from a particular set of ancestors apparently manifests 'in the blood' so to speak.

* ''Literature/WildCards'', full stop. Apparently a virus containing psionic aliens' DNA can do anything. Technically a case of AppliedPhlebotinum. The Ilkazam Enhancer (i.e. the Wild Card Virus) was biotechnology designed to bestow superhuman powers. Sometimes it even worked.

* In the ''Literature/GentlemanBastard'' series, magic is inherited but "does not breed true". Genetics is barely a thing, let alone understood, in the setting, but the implication is that there is a large number of genes with very different and interacting expression mechanisms involved. Mages take genealogy seriously, but bristle at the idea of being bred like cattle, and at the time of the story ''five'' of the hundreds of mages that have lived in the past centuries had parents who were both mages.

* Ditto for ''Series/PainkillerJane''. Yes, time travel included. Especially ridiculous since [[spoiler:all [[DifferentlyPoweredIndividual Neuros]] are rejected immortality experiments]].
* ''Series/{{Bewitched}}'' seems to have this. Witches and warlocks are only born to other witches and warlocks, and Tabitha has strong powers, while Adam has powers, although weak.

* Averted in ''Franchise/MassEffect''. Gene therapy is standard issue for soldiers and provided free for citizens by most governments, resulting in widespread perfect vision and hearing, robust immune systems, and a near elimination of genetic disorders in industrialized areas. Only modest physical enhancements are available however, with 8%-12% increases in adrenal response, clotting speed, and muscle retention etc. considered state of the art.
** Played with in ''Videogame/MassEffectAndromeda'' with the Kett. Their use of genetic engineering is so advanced that they have the technology to [[spoiler: make a lifeform transform into a different lifeform in less than a minute. In fact, this is how they reproduce]]. However, the fact that their genetic technology is commented on in-universe to be shocking implies that their genetic engineering technology is a case of SufficientlyAdvancedTechnology, thus explaining the lack of realism.

* Wildstorm's Comicbook/TheAuthority has Apollo, genetically engineered to fly and fire solar blasts. The "gen-factor" of ComicBook/Gen13 and its spinoffs. [[Comicbook/WildCATS WildC.A.T.S.]] get their powers from [[HalfHumanHybrid alien DNA]].

* The Meta-gene of Creator/DCComics. A single gene that provides every possible super-power. Various {{Human Alien}}s like Franchise/{{Superman}}, the ComicBook/{{Legion Of Super-Heroes}}, ComicBook/MartianManhunter, etc. also attribute their abilities to genetics-- [[LegoGenetics Transfer their DNA]] into a human, and that human becomes super-powered.

Many writers don't know (or [[WillingSuspensionOfDisbelief deliberately ignore]]) that genes are only responsible for protein synthesis. This is when said writers give genes the ability to alter the very laws of physics (or other universal laws) - or at least the ability to do things that would be impossible for a human. In this case genes, instead of a component of cellular biology, might as well be magical talismans carried inside the body. LegoGenetics is often involved as well. Extra fail points if the writer ignores the [[RequiredSecondaryPower necessary secondary powers]] needed for the FunctionalMagic to actually be ''functional'', such as PhotographicMemory for VoluntaryShapeshifting etc.

* A comprehensive list of {{Mutants}} who develop PsychicPowers in a [[AfterTheEnd post-nuclear setting]] could crash this server.

A subtrope of ArtisticLicenseBiology, ArtMajorBiology and RequiredSecondaryPowers. See also {{Mutants}}, SuperpowerfulGenetics, BioAugmentation.

* ''Literature/TheForgottenBeastsOfEld'': Sybel, her father, grandfather and great-grandfather were all able to do magic, indicating it's a hereditary ability (at least for some).
* ''Literature/SwordOfTruth'': Magic is said to generally be hereditary, with the gift passed on over generations. However, the Wizards have been killing each other off in wars for millennia, so that their numbers have steadily dwindled. The Sisters of the Light therefore encourage trainee Wizards to have sex with their members or women in the city nearby, [[SuperBreedingProgram in hopes this will steadily replenish them]]. Richard is specifically said to have more powerful magical abilities than average as he's descended from two great bloodlines, the Rahl and Zorrander families. However, the Rahl bloodline results more often in the opposite effect-people that not only cannot do magic, but don't even ''see'' it and can't be affected by spells directly (Pristinely Ungifted).

** Ditto for ''Series/PainkillerJane''. Yes, time travel included. Especially ridiculous since [[spoiler:all [[DifferentlyPoweredIndividual Neuros]] are rejected immortality experiments]].

Many writers don't know (or [[WillingSuspensionOfDisbelief deliberately ignore]]) that genes are only responsible for protein synthesis. This is when said writers give genes the ability to alter the very laws of physics (or other universal laws) - or at least the ability to do things that would be impossible for a human. LegoGenetics is often involved, as well. Extra fail points if the writer ignores the [[RequiredSecondaryPower necessary secondary powers]] needed for the FunctionalMagic to actually be ''functional'', such as PhotographicMemory for VoluntaryShapeshifting etc.

* [[Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries Mr. Spock]]'s ability to mind-meld comes from his Vulcan genes.

* The ''Literature/MaximumRide'' series have children who are "genetically engineered" to have wings. And occasionally other NewPowersAsThePlotDemands. Weirdly, it is implied that the early powers that they spontaneously develop were also engineered into them, to help them fulfill their purpose to "save the world" or whatever. In ''The Final Warning'' though, Jeb comments that they seemed to be randomly mutating and developing powers on their own, which first manifests with Nudge getting ''magnetic control''.

A subtrope of ArtisticLicenseBiology, ArtMajorBiology and RequiredSecondaryPowers. See also SuperpowerfulGenetics, BioAugmentation.

* Most mutants in ''ComicBook/XMen'' such as ComicBook/{{Storm}} have the ability to use physically impossible powers as a result of their mutation. [[DependingOnTheWriter Sometimes]], they all come from a mutation of ''a single gene''. Justified in-universe via experimentation on proto-humanity by a race of {{sufficiently advanced alien}}s. Comparable to how {{freak lab accident}}s can give normal humans superpowers in the Franchise/MarvelUniverse, the infamous "x-factor"/"mutant gene" serves to makes the activation of these powers a natural part of the mutant's biology.

* In the ''Literature/GentlemanBastard''-series, magic is inherited but "does not breed true". Genetics is barely a thing, let alone understood, in the setting, but the implication is that there is a large number of genes with very different and interacting expression mechanisms involved. Mages take genealogy seriously, but bristle at the idea of being bred like cattle, and at the time of the story ''five'' of the hundreds of mages that have lived in the past centuries had parents who were both mages.

* Nowhere on television is this trope in effect more than ''Series/{{Heroes}}''. Apparently everyone's power, from regeneration and invisibility, to clairvoyance and ''time travel'', are just a matter of having the right DNA.

** ''VideoGame/StarOcean1'': The ClimaxBoss and FinalBoss were created through genetic engineering to survive a {{Mordor}} planet. There is also a species that naturally posesses magical genetics.

* Wildstorm's Comicbook/TheAuthority has Apollo, genetically engineered to fly and fire solar blasts. The "gen-factor" of Gen13 and its spinoffs. [[Comicbook/WildCATS WildC.A.T.S.]] get their powers from [[HalfHumanHybrid alien DNA]].