Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

shogi_x t1_izgs8ou wrote

Plot twist: the little girl becomes a biologist and genetically engineers a unicorn.

215

ZSpectre t1_izgwpo8 wrote

I remembered that once I learned about HOX genes in undergrad biology (genes that more or less determine where an appendage would be located), I wondered how feasible it would be to splice a narwhal's tooth genes onto a horse's forehead. If it would ever get that far, I could imagine there being a need for some trial and error to make sure the tooth/horn wouldn't get too big for the horse's neck to support the extra weight.

30

iLikeCatsOnPillows t1_izhwkba wrote

Probably easiest to just start with a cow though, stronger necks and already have horns.

14

EmilyU1F984 t1_izhyjpr wrote

Hox genes determine head to tail positioning of appendages, they are not responsible for front to back positioning in bilateral animals (us).

In short: taking an insect as an example: they determine which segments get which appendages (antennae legs pincers) but they don‘t determine where in that segment the appendage appear Rotationally.

Additionally why not just use Rhino horn genes on horses? Doesn‘t say unicorns have tooth based horns.

Also: the narwhal ‚horns‘ (horns actually) are just their canines turned to the front. Usually just one grows outside their head, but two happens as well.

To transpose just canines… from within the box that make up the whole mandibular structure… seems like it would be harder than just creating new life at this point.

Oh btw the Saola, is a deer with a single horn, that is most similar to how unicorns are portrayed in contemporary art.

Just grab one of those for your research.

9

quipcow t1_izid413 wrote

Never heard of a Saola before, but I just looked them up and they appear to have two horn's.

Not the best unicorn replacement IMHO

4

Molehunter2022 t1_izkp2h6 wrote

When I was working on my Masters we used HOX genes to make feathers grow out of a mouse’s eyeball. So yeah…

1

djdefenda t1_izhyksa wrote

Are CRISPR kits still legally available on Amazon for like $70?

4