I was wondering how explain Brianna's ability to transform into animals. I want to give her abilities a scientific explaination and present them as a medical disorder that causes her a lot of problems (and show how she can overcomes her problems through Christ). I also want to explore what makes us human (and yes, she will retain human intelligence and all her memories when she's in animal form). What do you think?Also,how do I deal with detractors who don't like Brianna's powers? Any help is greatly appreciated.
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First of all, this sounds like a cool character. I'm not a scientist, and feel free to bounce off of anything I say or completely disregard it (it's your story after all) but here's my thoughts.
A scientific explanation for powers is always tricky. What makes us human is two-fold, and since you're doing a shape-shifter, I can see how this would be a good question to ask. There is the intangible part of being human (our fallen nature and our decision to follow Christ), but there is also the biological part of it. Every species has a specific type of DNA, with a specific chromosome count (chromosomes hold the genes that define what we look like. Some studies have also shown that our DNA may also influence our personality). Perhaps Brianna received an extra chromosome. She could have two recessive genes from her parents that is ultra-rare. Or sometimes in DNA there are random mutations or deletions. It could be a totally random mutation. Perhaps certain humans have the potential to have this transformation ability, but other genes on the chromosome prevents it from activating. If those genes were deleted during development, then Brianna could develop her transformation ability.
Another point is that genes aren't necessarily activated from the beginning stages of life. As we grow, some genes are activated. Others are turned off. Some genes can be turned on or off depending on the environment we grow up or live in.
Brianna's ability would have to physically cause her DNA to mutate, and reorganize itself into the order that would give her the animal's appearance.
I hope this has been helpful. I'm in a Biological Psychology class, so if I hear anything that sounds like it could be an explanation for this sort of thing, I'll let you know. :)
-Raquel-
How to explain Brianna's powers/ how to deal with detractors about explaining
I was wondering how explain Brianna's ability to transform into animals. I want to give her abilities a scientific explaination and present them as a…
First of all, this sounds like a cool character. I'm not a scientist, and feel free to bounce off of anything I say or completely disregard it (it's your story after all) but here's my thoughts.
A scientific explanation for powers is always tricky. What makes us human is two-fold, and since you're doing a shape-shifter, I can see how this would be a good question to ask. There is the intangible part of being human (our fallen nature and our decision to follow Christ), but there is also the biological part of it. Every species has a specific type of DNA, with a specific chromosome count (chromosomes hold the genes that define what we look like. Some studies have also shown that our DNA may also influence our personality). Perhaps Brianna received an extra chromosome. She could have two recessive genes from her parents that is ultra-rare. Or sometimes in DNA there are random mutations or deletions. It could be a totally random mutation. Perhaps certain humans have the potential to have this transformation ability, but other genes on the chromosome prevents it from activating. If those genes were deleted during development, then Brianna could develop her transformation ability.
Another point is that genes aren't necessarily activated from the beginning stages of life. As we grow, some genes are activated. Others are turned off. Some genes can be turned on or off depending on the environment we grow up or live in.
Brianna's ability would have to physically cause her DNA to mutate, and reorganize itself into the order that would give her the animal's appearance.
I hope this has been helpful. I'm in a Biological Psychology class, so if I hear anything that sounds like it could be an explanation for this sort of thing, I'll let you know. :)
Replies
Raquel Florez said:
First of all, this sounds like a cool character. I'm not a scientist, and feel free to bounce off of anything I say or completely disregard it (it's your story after all) but here's my thoughts.
A scientific explanation for powers is always tricky. What makes us human is two-fold, and since you're doing a shape-shifter, I can see how this would be a good question to ask. There is the intangible part of being human (our fallen nature and our decision to follow Christ), but there is also the biological part of it. Every species has a specific type of DNA, with a specific chromosome count (chromosomes hold the genes that define what we look like. Some studies have also shown that our DNA may also influence our personality). Perhaps Brianna received an extra chromosome. She could have two recessive genes from her parents that is ultra-rare. Or sometimes in DNA there are random mutations or deletions. It could be a totally random mutation. Perhaps certain humans have the potential to have this transformation ability, but other genes on the chromosome prevents it from activating. If those genes were deleted during development, then Brianna could develop her transformation ability.
Another point is that genes aren't necessarily activated from the beginning stages of life. As we grow, some genes are activated. Others are turned off. Some genes can be turned on or off depending on the environment we grow up or live in.
Brianna's ability would have to physically cause her DNA to mutate, and reorganize itself into the order that would give her the animal's appearance.
I hope this has been helpful. I'm in a Biological Psychology class, so if I hear anything that sounds like it could be an explanation for this sort of thing, I'll let you know. :)
-Raquel-