Science and Fiction:
Attica to GATTACA
“There is no gene for fate.”
— Vincent, a character in
the 1997 film GATTACA
The film GATTACA was discussed in a Log24 entry for Saturday, July 31, 2004– the date of death of Frank Smith, also known as Big Black, a prominent figure in the events at Attica in 1971. He died in Kinston, North Carolina, a town of about 24,000 about halfway between Raleigh and the Atlantic Ocean.
See today’s 6:01 AM entry for some details of Mr. Smith’s life. In his memory, here are three links.
The first is to
Screening DNA:
Exploring the
Cinema-Genetics Interface,
by Stephen Nottingham
This online book, from which the above GATTACA quote was taken, discusses genetics in film more generally… Specifically, from Part 7 of Screening DNA:
In Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace–
“Midi-chlorians are essentially genes for the force, which determine whether one will become either a Jedi or else a dark shadow of one. In particular, they evoke mitochondrian genes, as mitochondria once lived symbiotically in human cells. Mitochondria are a cell’s energy-producing ‘power plant,’ in which a positive mutation could lead to an individual having greater strength and stamina. Mitochondrial genes are also now known to control many critical stages in human development.“
The second link in memory of Mr. Smith, one he would probably prefer, is to another book, less academic in nature, that also deals with mitochondria:
|
A Wind in the Door, From Chapter 3, The stranger was dark, dark as night and tall as a tree, and there was something in the repose of his body, the quiet of his voice, which drove away fear. Charles Wallace stepped towards him. “Who are you?” “A Teacher.” Charles Wallace’s sigh was longing. “I wish you were my teacher.” “I am.” The cello-like voice was calm, slightly amused. |
The third link is to the aforementioned
Wind.