Line #72 Main/MagicGenetics


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14	Now, you want to give this character really cool superpowers. However, you need to {{justif\|iedTrope}}y it. So you say that it's a result of [[GeneticEngineeringIsTheNewNuke genetic mutation]] caused by a FreakLabAccident.
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16	However, could that really work? Let's say you want this character to be able to fly. But without wings, where would the propulsion come from? Let's say you want this character to be able to grow 100 times their size. [[ShapeshifterBaggage What about the law of conservation of matter?]] (Not to mention that even if it was possible, the person would probably [[SquareCubeLaw die from insufficient amounts of blood]].) Let's not even get started on creating fire out of thin air...
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18	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.
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20	If the writer wants to 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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22	Some types of superpowers being caused by genetics are plausible. SuperStrength could be from extra muscle mass or more efficient contractile cells (but you still won't be strong enough to bend girders bare-handed), low-level SuperSpeed would be a snap as natural human neural impulses and reaction time are notoriously sluggish (slower than sound, in fact) and could easily be sped up by increasing conductivity, claws could be some sort of bone growth or modified keratin, and there are animals that use electricity as a weapon, can [[RubberMan stretch and distort their bodies]], or have a HealingFactor or SuperSenses. While you can't become an invisible man, chromatophores in the skin could give you super-camouflage. Etc.
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24	Genetically-based PsychicPowers are automatically a subtrope of this, as are any MageSpecies. Characters who are RandomlyGifted usually don't gain their powers from genetic sources, or in combination with other non-genetic factors.
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26	A subtrope of ArtisticLicenseBiology and RequiredSecondaryPowers. See also {{Mutants}}, SuperpowerfulGenetics, BioAugmentation.
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28	In SuperHero stories, usually considered an AcceptableBreakFromReality due to RuleOfCool.
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31	!!Examples:
32	[[foldercontrol]]
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34	[[folder:Comic Books]]
35	* The Meta-gene of Franchise/TheDCU. 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.
36	* Certain villains in ''ComicBook/SpiderMan'' also have these kinds of abilities. Spider-Man himself ''sort of'' doesn't count as he "does what ever a spider can..."
37	* 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.
38	* 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. They should just pray they'll never catch any disease that requires treatment with antibiotics...
39	* 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]].
40	* 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 ''ComicBook/GalactaDaughterOfGalactus'' 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.
41	[[/folder]]
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43	[[folder:Fan Works]]
44	* 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 Creator/MarvelComics canon, they're derived from experimentation by the Celestials. [[SuperpowerfulGenetics 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.
45	* ''Rainbow Toes'' was a... rather wacky ''[[Literature/TheOutsiders Outsiders]]'' fanfiction work from fanfiction.net that was removed and has vanished from the internet for several years now. The premise was there was a hereditary transformation from Ponyboy Curtis' paternal side of the family that made the men [[{{Clownification}} transform]] into literal clowns with genuine magical powers. While his father only sported rainbow-colored toenails and was capable of a few parlor tricks, Pony transformed into a full-blown clown complete with magic powers that gradually gave him control over ''[[RealityWarper reality itself]]''. He [[WithGreatPowerComesGreatPerks adapted to it pretty quickly]].
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48	[[folder:Literature]]
49	* ''Literature/{{Deryni}}'' powers are genetic ... mostly, and Katherine Kurtz made a real effort to make it sound realistic. There are basically three types of magic-users in the Deryni world:
50	** 'True' Deryniness is a dominant sex-linked trait: a single gene on the X chromosome controls access to Deryni powers, and eggs with the 'Deryni allele' are hardier and more fertile. Having this allele on one X chromosome is sufficient to make a person Deryni. Exactly which powers an individual Deryni has is determined in other ways -- Healing powers, for example, are rare among Deryni, but they are definitely heritable.
51	** The Haldane royal line, and perhaps a few others, carries a different gene for Deryniness. This gene is also sex-linked: it's carried on the Y chromosome, making it exclusively male. A person with this gene can't learn Deryni magic; instead, he must undergo [[RitualMagic a specific empowerment ritual]], after which he has immediate access to a specific and limited set of Deryni-like powers and abilities. In a milieu where God is very real and religious magic can do things that regular magic can't, there's an implication that this gene and the associated power are connected with the DivineRightOfKings.
52	** A few individuals have no known Deryni blood, nor are they Haldanes as far as anyone knows, but they do have the ability to wield magic. A good example of this is the mysterious Warin de Grey, who plays a major role in ''Deryni Checkmate'' and ''High Deryni''.
53	* 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.
54	* Creator/JKRowling has stated that there was a Magic Gene involved in wizarding capabilities in ''Literature/HarryPotter''. This gene could also be present in other magical species. It can remain in a bloodline for generations before manifesting in {{muggle\|s}}borns. The inverse is also the reason for [[MuggleBornOfMages squibs]]. This also doubles as HollywoodGenetics, since the gene is clearly defined as "dominant", but dominant genes cannot skip generations and squibs are much rarer than they should be. However since the gene itself is [[AWizardDidIt magic]], it can presumably do whatever it likes.
55	* 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''.
56	* According to WordOfGod, Magyk in ''Literature/SeptimusHeap'' has a genetic basis, which is why Princess Jenna has no ''Magykal'' powers, unlike her adopted siblings. [[spoiler:Subverted when Jenna is made into a witch in ''Darke'']].
57	* ''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.
58	* ''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.
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61	[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
62	* ''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.
63	* Nowhere on television is this trope in effect more than ''Series/{{Heroes}}''. Apparently everyone's powers, from regeneration and invisibility, to clairvoyance and ''time travel'', are just a matter of having the right DNA.
64	* All powers in ''Series/MutantX'' come from genetic experiments conducted by Genomex and [[spoiler:the Dominion]]. These powers include generating electricity, density manipulation, throwing energy balls, time travel, etc.
65	* Ditto for ''Series/PainkillerJane''. Yes, time travel included. Especially ridiculous since [[spoiler:all [[DifferentlyPoweredIndividual Neuros]] are rejected immortality experiments]].
66	* ''Series/StargateSG1'' has a Goa'uld MadScientist mutating humans to give them PsychicPowers in order to create a super-host.
67	* ''Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries'': Mr. Spock's ability to mind-meld comes from his Vulcan genes.
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70	[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
71	* ''TabletopGame/GURPSBioTech'' 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 an 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, though.
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74	[[folder:Video Games]]
75	* ''VideoGame/BioShock1'' 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.
76	* ''Franchise/MassEffect'':
77	** Averted with the gene therapy that 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.
78	** 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 [[MagicFromTechnology sufficiently advanced technology]], thus explaining the lack of realism.
79	* A recurring theme in ''VideoGame/StarOceanTillTheEndOfTime''.
80	** Two words: Symbological Genetics. Tinkering with genes can give you magic powers.
81	** ''VideoGame/StarOcean1'': The ClimaxBoss and FinalBoss were created through genetic engineering to survive a {{Mordor}} planet. There is also a species that naturally possesses magical genetics.
82	** ''VideoGame/StarOceanTheSecondStory'': The main villains were a group of people who were granted god-like powers above the normal magic available to their species in order to take over the universe.
83	** ''VideoGame/StarOceanTheLastHope'': Following WorldWarIII, three human babies were modified to survive in harsh and irradiated environments, and gained magical powers in the process. The DNA used to do this was taken from a human subspecies that also had magical genetics naturally.
84	* 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.
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87	[[folder:Web Animation]]
88	* ''WebAnimation/{{RWBY}}'': [[LittleBitBeastly Faunus]] genetics are mentioned to be a pain for scientists to understand. Each Faunus has a single animal trait from a specific animal (such as cat ears or a monkey tail), but these traits seem random; one cat Faunus might have cat ears, while the other could have a cat's tail. If two Faunus of the same animal species have a child, the child will be the same species, but if two Faunus of different animal species have a child, the child will be a completely random species. If a human and a Faunus have a child it's even odds whether the child will be a Faunus of the same species as the parent or human. It's also mentioned it can sometimes take time for Faunus traits to manifest.
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91	[[folder:Webcomics]]
92	* Reasonably justified in ''Webcomic/{{Homestuck}}'':
93	** [[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.
94	** The brings known as First Guardians are genetically engineered using DNA codes from the dreams of the players, although the energy source for their powers is the Green Sun. This makes even less sense with Doc Scratch, who was created this way, but he is a puppet with a cue ball for a head and so shouldn't even have DNA.
95	* ''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 AppliedPhlebotinum, and its connection to genetics is not clearly understood.
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98	[[folder:Web Original]]
99	* 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.
100	[[/folder]]
101
102	[[folder:Western Animation]]
103	* In ''WesternAnimation/DannyPhantom'', the titular character gained his abilities to become a ghost and use ghost powers after the ghost portal mutated his DNA, combining it with "[[LifeEnergy ectoplasm]]".
104	* In ''WesternAnimation/StreetSharks'', somehow using [[SuperSerum a formula]] and [[MixAndMatchMan the blood of Genghis Khan]] turns a lobster and a marlin into huge evil mutant soldiers. Injecting the formula and animal DNA into a human turns them into non-evil mutants which are twice the size of their human forms, ''very'' top heavy, and [[ExtremeOmnivore able to eat virtually everything (including metal)]]. This one got to fly under RuleOfCool because the Street Sharks were {{totally\|Radical}} [[UnusualEuphemism jawsome.]]
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Context Main / MagicGenetics