THE SCIENCE BEHIND X-MEN
The mutants
The supposed mutants of the X-men series are explained by a single mutation in the X-chromosomes creating the “mutant gene”. This gene is responsible for the diverse supernatural capabilities of all of the mutants including telepathy, mind control, supernatural strength, telekinesis, shapeshifting and the ability to manipulate metal, energy as well as various forms of matter. The major genetic flaw in this explanation is that the single mutant gene supposedly codes for all of the proteins responsible for each of the characters powers.
It would be near impossible for this mutant gene to be responsible for one of the characters powers let alone all of them even when considering the complexities of genetics such as exon splicing, post transcriptional and translational modifications(12).
It would be near impossible for this mutant gene to be responsible for one of the characters powers let alone all of them even when considering the complexities of genetics such as exon splicing, post transcriptional and translational modifications(12).
INheritance of the mutant gene
It is mentioned throughout the films that the mutant gene is inherited from the father which indicates that the gene is on the Y-chromosome. As the sex chromosomes of males are XY and females are XX if the mutant gene exists on the Y chromosome then there wouldn’t be any female mutants. Additionally the Y chromosome is quite small compared to the X chromosome – being only a third of its size therefore the number of genes on this chromosome is quite limited which questions the capability of this chromosome to house the mutant genes. It is more likely that this gene is carried on the X-chromosome which would tie in nicely to the name of the franchise (13).
Mutation rate
The probability for mutation per base pair is 1 x 10-9 in humans. Given the size of the Y chromosome (or even the X chromosome) and the population of the United States by sheer mathematics if this mutation did occur spontaneously then only a few thousand people in the whole country would have this mutation. Yet in the series the number of mutants appears to surpass this estimate greatly. In the films it is specified that the rate of mutation has increased for the entire genome though at a higher magnitude for the sex chromosomes due to rise in radiation levels. (13)
Darwin's theory of evolution
A key theme in the series is the concept of evolution where “genes are the key that unlocks the door to a new age”. There are continued references to Charles Darwin, the author of ‘The origin of species’ who is considered the father of evolution. In this book the theory of natural selection is explored which is the concept that over time new species will evolve from existing species which are better suited to a particular environmental change. Over time is could be possible that humans develop new abilities by the accumulation of mutations however mutations in the mutants appear instantaneously. One of the mutants nicknamed ‘Darwin’ has the power of ‘reactive evolution’ meaning that he can instantly adapt to any threat he is confronted with, for example he can grow gills when in water. This actually contradicts the theory of natural selection and actually supports Lamarck’s theory of the heritability of acquired characteristics, whereby organisms can change their structure in order to survive (15).