Dramatic muscle mass increase due to mutation

In summary, scientists have been able to replicate the supermuscularity of a Belgian bull by mutating the myostatin gene in mice. However, the long-term effects of this mutation on the organism as a whole are still unknown. Selective breeding has been a common practice for thousands of years, resulting in animals with desired traits such as the Belgian Blue bull. However, the consequences of these changes on the system as a whole are not fully understood and can have far-reaching effects. It is important to consider the long-term effects and the balance of the system when making changes.
  • #1
Monique
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Belgian farmers had been breeding a bull for its muscle size, finally getting a bull who is supermuscular

http://www.ultimate-exercise.com/bravenewworld.html [Broken]

This supermuscularity is caused by a mutation is the myostatin gene. Why has this case not been exploited yet? Or am I just not aware of it?


Scientists were able to replicate the phenotype by mutating the same gene in mice, which also became very muscular.
 
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  • #2
Monique, before one plays with TNT one should comprehend it at it's most compentent parts. If the cell increases muscle size what are the other affects on the organism as a whole on the long run? Will it be prevelent now or will it's affects be recognzied in the near future and then be to late to compensate for. Will it be a gradual degredation of the oraganism as a whole?

It is an amazing thing to understand that which is, but to change it is pure arrogance. If one does not comprehend gravity, then that which they understand or believe they understand is flawed by it's incompleteness.
 
  • #3
"to change is pure arrogance"

But this is an example of farmers breeding cows with big muscles together, until the Belgian Blue came out. This is what mankind has been doing for thousands of years, how we have all kinds of cats, dogs, now a bull with huge muscles.

I haven't read too much yet about the bull, I am very curious to know if it has some serious problems.. but I have the impression not. And does the farmer care?

Look at how much meat would come from this bull, the same way that we've breeded cows to produce such amazing amounts of milk, you don't think THAT is natural right? :P
 
  • #4
Even subtle changes like the ones that can be achived through selective breeding can have far reaching affects which are not completely comprehended due to the limited set of parameters which they analyse the system in. That is becuase to go beyond that is expensive thought and human beings like short term gains no matter the cost to the system as a whole. What they do not understand is that the system is single and complete and balanced. You cannot rob peter to pay paul you will still have to pay peter. There are no gains and no losses. The understanding you will pay for with your "time".
 

1. What is a "mutation" in relation to muscle mass increase?

A mutation is a change in an organism's genetic code that can result in physical or behavioral changes. In the case of muscle mass increase, a mutation may cause the body to produce more muscle cells, resulting in a dramatic increase in muscle mass.

2. Is it possible for a mutation to cause significant muscle mass increase?

Yes, it is possible for a mutation to cause a significant increase in muscle mass. However, it is important to note that mutations are rare and occur randomly, so it is not a reliable or recommended method for increasing muscle mass.

3. Are there any known mutations that have resulted in dramatic muscle mass increase?

Yes, there have been rare cases where individuals have a genetic mutation that causes them to have significantly higher muscle mass than the average person. These mutations are usually found in genes related to muscle growth and development.

4. Can a mutation that causes muscle mass increase be passed down to future generations?

Yes, mutations can be inherited from parents and passed down to future generations. However, the chances of inheriting a specific mutation that causes significant muscle mass increase are very low.

5. Are there any potential risks or drawbacks to having a mutation that causes muscle mass increase?

It is important to note that mutations can have both positive and negative effects on an organism. While a mutation that causes muscle mass increase may seem desirable, it could also potentially lead to other health complications. Additionally, relying on a mutation for muscle mass increase is not a sustainable or safe method, as it is not a controllable process.

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