As a dedicated fan of science fiction and genetics, I’ve always been fascinated by the intricacies of DNA and its role in shaping living organisms. Alex Garland’s masterpiece, Annihilation, has taken this fascination to another level with its exploration of the mysterious Shimmer and the mind-bending mutations it brings about.
In the thought-provoking sci-fi horror “Annihilation” by Alex Garland, now streaming on Peacock, a team of investigators from a clandestine research facility venture into The Shimmer, an enigmatic alien landscape where biological norms disintegrate. There, they encounter an ever-evolving ecosystem, comprised of plants and animals undergoing constant genetic mutations. Deer bear antlers adorned with sprouting foliage, alligators develop pale coloring and teeth lining their throats, and bears exhibit skull-like faces and the ability to mimic human speech.
Inside The Shimmer, there’s a mysterious alien influence at work. It may be harmful or just acting to survive, but its effects on the landscape are clear. A more intricate explanation reveals that this entity manipulates specific parts of DNA called Hox genes.
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How Hox Genes Determine the Body Layout of Plants, Animals, and You
Within The Shimmer’s boundaries, DNA undergoes extraordinary mutations and evolutions, giving rise to astonishingly alien creatures based on familiar Earthly organisms. This reaches a climax when Lena (Natalie Portman) and her team stumble upon plants that resemble humans in form. Their human-like shapes leave no room for doubt, yet the unsettling question remains: are they just mimicking or are they remnants of a past expedition? Josie, portrayed by Tessa Thompson, suspects that alterations in the Hox genes might be the cause.
In the real world, Hox genes serve as the fundamental architects of our physical structure, and interfering with them can lead to intriguing and at times alarming outcomes. If you think of your DNA as a comprehensive blueprint for your entire body, then consider Hox genes as the structural foundation and framework. They establish the basic layout, dictating where each part should be situated and what its identity is. These genes are responsible for signaling the development of essential features such as the head, torso, limbs, digits, eyes, and more. Essentially, Hox genes provide a rough sketch of your body, while other genes later refine and add intricacies to this blueprint.
Should an extraterrestrial being or lab scientists manipulate the Hox genes, they would be able to elicit unusual behaviors in plants and animals, some borderline terrifying. For instance, the humble fruit fly undergoes a metamorphosis starting as a worm-like larva. As it evolves, these genes dictate not only the number of segments but also the specific functions each segment should perform during growth.
Normally, a fruit fly’s body segments develop legs and wings in the middle sections, while the front sections form eyes, antennae, and mouthparts. However, if there are mutations in the Hox genes, fruit flies may display incorrect appendage growth. Observed outcomes include fruit flies growing two sets of legs and an extra pair of wings, or legs emerging from their faces instead of mouthparts or antennae.
As a gamer, I’d put it this way: In our case as human players, we share some similarities with other vertebrate creatures, but we’re still built along a linear design from head to tail. Our Hox genes act like game designers in our bodies, deciding whether our vertebrae will sprout ribs or not, and guiding the development of our arms and legs. They help determine if an arm or a leg grows, and even their specific roles within those limbs. Researchers have discovered that manipulating Hox genes in mice can lead to unique alterations in how their limbs form. For us humans, differences in these genes have been linked to various limb deformities.
As a seasoned biologist with years of research under my belt, I can’t stress enough the fascination and mystery that Hox genes hold for us. While we’ve made significant strides in understanding their role in embryonic development, there’s still so much left to discover about how they function in our bodies. But let me tell you, from my experience, if you stumble upon a biome that has the power to activate and deactivate your Hox genes, exchanging them with those of other organisms, trust me, you’d better run for cover! The consequences could be dire, potentially leading to drastic changes in your physiology or even death. So, heed my warning, dear colleague, and approach such a discovery with caution and respect for the unknown.
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2024-07-16 23:01