Have you ever wondered why some people have the ability to run super-fast? How does Usain Bolt run the 100 meters in 9.58 seconds? Gene mutations can give people super-power-like abilities. Some people can survive with just four hours of sleep daily. Others have bones that are resistant to breaking. So how do these gene mutations happen? Which part of the gene gives people these abilities?
Before we get into the gene mutations, let’s look at our DNA. Our DNA strands are composed of four chemical bases: adenine (A), cytosine (C), thymine (T), and guanine (G). Adenine always pairs with thymine, and cytosine always pairs with guanine. Gene mutations happen when one of the base pairs is paired wrong on the chromosomes. Chromosomes, made of DNA, are the structures within every part of our body that carry the information to make that part work. Even if just a single chemical pairing of A, C, T, and G is wrong, you end up with a mutation that changes the function of that part of the body. This is known as a sequence mutation. The genetic changes can result in the abilities that many dream of. Ryan Kwon (9) explained, “I would want to have a gene mutation because it’s basically a free superpower as long as there are no downsides.” Sequence mutations can result in the following abilities:
Super-Fast Gene Mutation
The mutation that gives people the ability to run super-fast comes from an error in the ACTN3 gene. Everyone has ACTN3, and it affects how individuals run by creating proteins for the muscle fiber. There is a mutation of this gene that some humans get that allows for greater protein creation, resulting in someone who can run really fast (medicover-geneitcs.com). Around 18% of the population have this gene mutation.
Super Strong Gene Mutation
People who are stronger than most typically have a genetic mutation, K153R, in the MSTN gene, which is also known as the myostatin. K153R controls the muscles’ growth and development. Those with the genetic variant of K153R possess incredible muscle mass and strength. This gene mutation is determined at birth or infancy (medicover-geneitcs.com).
Enhanced Memory Gene Mutation
Scientists and researchers discovered a genetic variant that boosts one’s memory and can be used to make memory-enhancing pills in the future. This genetic variant is the eIF2a protein. This protein has been tested on mice, and studies have shown that those mice with an eIF2a gene mutation have better memory than the mice that don’t. The same theory applies to humans (abcnews.go.com). When humans are stressed, it becomes difficult for them to focus due to the eIF2a slowing down. However, with the genetic variant, the eIF2a doesn’t dull and cause them to lose their focus and attention; rather, it boosts their memory (elifesciences.org). Lena Seo (9) explained, “I would want enhanced memory gene mutation, so I can pass my tests.”
High Resistance Bone Gene Mutation
The gene LRP5, also known as Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein 5, creates the proteins that control bone density. Having a polymorphic change in this gene changes an individual’s bone density. Some of these changes may cause osteoporosis, a condition where the bones become fragile due to the loss of tissues, or other conditions, but the G171V variant allows them to have bones with high resistance and endurance to fractures (businessinsider.com).
Can’t Feel the Pain Gene Mutation
Although pain insensitivity may seem like a gift, it can result in serious dangers if people can’t tell when there is an injury or something wrong with their body. People who have exceptionally high pain tolerance can have mutations in either the SCN9A gene or the PRDM12 gene.
The SCN9A generates sodium that transports electric signals through the body. It creates a channel that includes the nociceptors, which can detect pain due to being part of the nervous system (medicineplus.gov). When there is a gene mutation in the SCN9A, individuals tend not to feel the pain due to the nociceptors’ inability to receive the pain signals.
The PRDM12 acts as a pain perception for one of its functions. It adjusts the nerve-growth factor, which includes the nociceptors. A lowered nerve-growth factor results in people not being able to feel pain (sciencedirect.com).
Sleep Less Gene Mutation
Some people can have four hours of sleep and still function normally. An estimate of 1-3% of the world has this ability. This is due to the genetic variant in DEC2 called the P384R mutation. DEC2 controls the hormone connected with being awake, called orexin. A gene mutation in the DEC2 or ADRB1 gene affects how long a person needs to sleep. People with these polymorphic changes don’t experience sleep deprivation from the fewer hours of sleep, which can help them with productivity to do more activities (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
Super Coffee-Drinker Gene Mutation
Many genes in our body are affected by caffeine; however, gene mutations near BDNF or SLC6A4 give people more pleasure after they consume caffeine, making them want to drink even more. This results in them having the ability to drink more coffee than an average person. Another reason why someone may be a super coffee-drinker is how their body metabolizes caffeine with the CYP1A2 gene. Those who can digest and break down caffeine are less likely to have the lasting effects, such as heart problems, allowing them to drink more (businessinsider.com).
There are many gene mutations in the world, and these are just a few of the fascinating ones. Mr. Nguyen (S), the living earth teacher at YLHS, has the ability to turn his feet 180 degrees. He shares that “walking regularly got boring, [and] I think it is cool because it just adds to my quirk.”
Gene mutations allow certain individuals to obtain abilities that seem like superpowers. These abilities may not be the powers that come immediately into your mind when you hear the word “superpower,” but they are the closest thing to special abilities humans can get. Which type of ability would you want?
