[HPforGrownups] wizards & genetics

[Neil Ward]

No: HPFGUIDX 414


>> It ought to be impossible if magic is recessive...however, almost no
>> traits are coded for by a single gene.
>
>I am no scientist, but I have a possible explanaiton for this - since 
>things aren't coded by a single gene, then maybe there is a gene for 
>magic, which is recessive, and another series of genes which block 
>the use of magic even by a person who has inherited genes for magic 
>from both parents - when the whole series is present, you have a 
>squib, but if only 1 of the 5? 6? genes in the series is missing, 
>then the "magic" gene isn't blocked, and voila, you have awitch or 
>wizard!

Heidi's proposal for a series of inhibitor genes makes sense, as it could
also account for the partial cases, like Muggle psychics or weak witches and
wizards, whose ability may be partly inhibited by some of the genes being in
'on' mode and some not. I'd also suggest that the 'berwizard' category
that's been postulated for Harry Potter could be due to an additional
chromosome, totally unrelated to regular magical genetics.

Years ago, I was involved in some research on drug metabolism, in which we
classified people into 'slow' and 'fast' metabolisers.  As you can imagine,
this factor had a major impact on the efficacy and toxicity of certain
drugs.  The speed of metabolism was a spectrum, rather than two distinct
categories, and one poor volunteer had to be classified as 'super slow' and
advised never to take tricyclic antidepressants.  I can see a parallel with
magical ability, in which some witches/wizards with the gift have a higher
capacity for its use than others.  There are also very specific metabolic
conditions, such as 'flushing syndrome' - common in oriental people -
whereby the gene for a particular enzyme (in that case one which breaks down
an alcohol metabolite) is missing entirely. 

Any thoughts on the nature of magical ability?  We've talked a lot about how
one might or might not have it, but what is it?  A neurochemical state?
Some property of the pineal gland, latent in the majority of people?  A
hormonal change, like a second puberty or the menopause?  Something akin to
metamorphosis in insects (i.e. a physical evolution)?  

Talking of the menopause - if there were a 'magical menopause,' could that
explain those people who discover magical ability late in life (as hinted by
JKR)?

Neil








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   "Then, dented, scratched and steaming, 
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 [Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]

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