Magic Genetics

[milztoday]

No: HPFGUIDX 31744

Magical genetics has been discussed in the Group several times. These 
discussions are based on the following assumptions 1. that the Magic 
Gene (MG) is unique to Magicals  and 2. that the MG inheritance can 
be reasonably explained by simple Mendelian Genetic models. However, 
these assumptions do not satisfactorily explain the existence of 
Squibs within Magical families nor the existence of  'de novo' 
Magicals in Muggle families (Muggle-borns) because of the heavy 
reliance upon random point mutations and gene translocations.

I propose that the Magical Gene is NOT unique to the Magicals, but 
rather, that is a part of the human genome. Meaning all humans, 
Magical or Muggle, possess the MG in their DNA. Furthermore Muggles 
and Magicals differ due to the quantitative presence of  "Magic Gene 
Factor" (MGF). This MGF may affect the MG through a combination of 
the following means:

1. Inhibitory Magic Gene Factors
2. Stimulatory Magic Gene Factors
 Furthermore, the Magic Gene acts upon target tissue(s) through 
biochemical cascades which makes the person 'magical'. Target tissues 
can be almost any type of cell groups in the human body. It just 
means the cell or cell groups being affected. A biochemical cascade 
is the series of chemical reactions the gene takes to send its 
chemical message to a target tissue. Think of it as being similar to 
the steps you take to mail a letter to a friend. If the steps you 
take are altered in any way, it will affect the delivery of the 
letter.

Inhibitory Magic Gene Factors
This assumes that the MG is "turned on" and must be "turned off" to 
prevent magical powers. The Magic Gene Inhibitory Factor (MGIF) will 
either affect the MG directly by "turning it off" at the molecular 
level of the gene itself or it will prevent the MG from affecting the 
target tissue(s) by interfering in with the biochemical cascade. 
Therefore if a person produces the MGIF, they will tend to be Muggle, 
as it turn's off the MG.

Stimulatory Magic Gene Factors
Conversely, this assumes that the MG is "turned off" and must 
be "turned on" to have magical powers. Similarly, the Magic Gene 
Stimulatory Factor (MGSF) can act directly on the MG to turn it on or 
it can act on other tissues that will produce the MGSF. So if a 
person produces MGSF, that person will tend to be Magical, because 
the MG is being activated.

What does this mean?
Without muddying the whole thing with feedback inhibition and 
other "stuff", this means that on the most simplistic level the 
production or non-production of a chemical(s) determines the Magical-
ness of an individual in the Potterverse.  

What are the ramifications?
Given the individual variations concerning individual human's 
biochemical "efficiency", there will be a statistically significant 
portion of "producers" who produce more or less of a particular MGF, 
yet will still remain "Muggle" or "Magical". In short, if we were 
able to analyze tissue or blood specimens from a randomized 
population of Magicals and Muggles, we would find MGF "ranges" within 
both groups. 

For the sake of argument, let's say that in order for one to have 
magic powers, the Magic Gene must be turned on, or stimulated. So we  
test for the concentration of the Magic Gene Stimulatory Factor in 
Magicals and Muggles.  Using a scale of 1- 5, with 5 being the 
highest concentrations of MGSF and 1 being the lowest concentrations 
of MGSF,  Magicals will tend to cluster near 5, whereas, Muggles will 
tend to cluster near 1. Within the Magical clusters, there will be a 
range of levels (following the Bell Curve). Those at the upper end of 
the range, will be "more" magical or stronger than those at the lower 
end of the range.  However, all those within the Magical function 
range are all magical. Same holds for Muggles. 

This "normal range" of blood MGF could explain the "power" 
differences among Magicals and the existence of Squibs and the 
existence of Muggle-borns.  The fear of Neville's Gran that he 
wasn't "Magical enough" could well be due to a problem with Neville's 
MGF production. Neville might not only be suffering from 
psychological issues, but also from inadequate levels of MGF.

Magical hope for Muggles?
If magical-ness is biochemically regulated as I propose, it is highly 
possible for a Potterverse Muggle to become Magical through 
pharmaceutical preparations  (aka" Potions") or manipulation of the 
target. It would require knowing the exact mechanism of action and 
regulation of the Magic Gene. On the other hand, it is highly 
possible for a Magical to become a Muggle or for a Magical to 
increase magical strength through pharmaceutical preparations 
(potions) or manipulation of the target tissues tissues (perhaps 
the "series of transformations" Voldemort underwent according to 
Dumbledore in CoS).

Conclusion:
The Magic Gene is found in all humans. The Magic Gene expression is 
regulated by either or a combination of Magic Gene Factors (MGF), 
which act in an inhibitory or stimulatory manner. The quantitative 
amount of MGF in any given individual determines the expression or 
suppression of the MG for that individual. Magical "strength" is 
related to the quantitative amount of MGF present in an individual. 
Pharmaceutical preparations that affect the MGF can hypothetically 
endow a Muggle magical powers or can render a Magical powerless.

Milz