3.14 Editing Genes: Super Strength?

A. How Can We Build Superheroes?

If we wanted to give humans real-life superpowers—like super strength, night vision, or crazy fast healing—we’d have to start with our genes. Genes are like the instruction book for our bodies. To build a superhero, we’d need to rewrite or remix those instructions!

Here are three ways scientists might do that:

Change Human
Genes

What if you could rewrite a gene you already have? Scientists could change how a gene works—like making muscle-building genes super strong or changing how fast your body heals. It’s like editing a recipe to make it spicier (or in this case… stronger!).

Turn On Human Genes

Some genes are already in your body—but they’re off. Scientists could flip the “on” switch! For example, you might have a gene that helps grow more muscle, but it’s not active. What if we turned it on at full blast?

Add New Genes

This is where it gets wild. Scientists could add a brand-new gene—even one from another species. Like jellyfish genes that glow, or a gene that helps certain animals survive freezing temps. These new genes could give humans all kinds of “super” abilities.

B. Turning On the Sprinter Gene

Scientists have found a special gene in people that might make people faster. It’s called the sprinter gene.

Before we learn more about what the sprinter gene is, see if you can find out how the sprinter gene might impact you.

Directions: In your Mission Log complete the “What’s Your Muscle Superpower” activity to see how you might be impacted by the sprinter gene already.

Check your answer