This was just fun

[sleepy_shadow]

Her original DNA would and Sheridan's would be so far apart that each of them would have more DNA in commone with every other lifeform on their home planet, single-cell life on up,

Assuming that Minbari actually have DNA (with the same four bases) -- instead of RNA, DNA with another number of bases... or a substance of comparable properties which our chemistry simply hasn't predicted or seen yet.

 

[Joseph DeMartino]

Assuming that Minbari actually have DNA

Every discussion of these things in the show (the G'Kar/Lyta telepath DNA negotiations, the Sheridan-Delenn relationships, the Markab plague and various aliens treated by Franklin) suggests that DNA similar to ours is pretty much universal. Maybe DNA based on AGCT simply turns out to be the only molocule that can produce life in the B5 universe so that all life has something in common and a kind of family resemblance. Makes life easier for the writers, anyway.

Regards,

Joe

 

[sleepy_shadow]

DNA would indeed -- at least from our perspective -- seem a quite likely candidate for carrying genetic info.

If life develops more frequently than usual on Earth-class planets around Sun-class stars (and the only data point we have suggests it does)...

...then, assuming it develops on earliest feasible opportunity... one could indeed construct a model of probability (admittedly with vast gaps, but not intentional ones) drawing from similar environmental starting conditions to suggest the common occurrence of DNA.

Then again, I try to never underestimate the power of countless random experiments in a humongous range of conditions... of yielding different pathways to achieving the same functionality.

Also, life has properties which favour having a distinct face. The first strain of life starting... will most probably cover a planet before another can start. Following experiments may succeed, but are likely to get snapped up by already developed life -- which is unlikely to undergo radical changes in its genetic mechanism, unless the initial invention really was sucky.

I think so because changing the encoding system might render useless an existing and useful codebase -- which has some value to counterbalance the benefit of a more efficient encoding system. Somewhat differently from software engineering, form and function are closer linked in biology. Change of format generally means loss of function.

At some points, benefit from change would naturally overcome the cost of conservation -- and encoding systems would change. However, this seems likely either early in development (little existing codebase) or much later, when technically advanced sentients make their own abstraction layers independent of genes.

Also, should life also easily appear on different classes of planets, around stars of different kind and generation... it would be far less likely that DNA would be widespread.

The earliest hope of finding out... is two days from now. Unfortunately the hope of finding something on Mars is relatively small. After that, one can dig up Europa, Ganymede, Io... and whatever nearby place seems lucky.

Finally, one can build a big-ass telescope and observe extrasolar planets. Should that fail, one can repeat SETI with really mean super-receivers and vast computing power in future. Hoping to hear someone talking.

And finally, if nothing adverse happens before, curiosity will no doubt drive someone to get their possibly-encountersuited-butts out of the Solar system.

 

[Joseph DeMartino]

DNA would indeed -- at least from our perspective -- seem a quite likely candidate for carrying genetic info...

I'm thinking about changing the name of this thread to "This used to be just for fun" since somewhere along the line it seems to have turned into a symposium on xenobiology and genetics.

Regards,

Joe

 

[Bester]

I'm thinking about changing the name of this thread to "This used to be just for fun" since somewhere along the line it seems to have turned into a symposium on xenobiology and genetics.

I read this, then I read sleepy_shadow's post. Then I had to pick myself off the floor.

Then again, I try to never underestimate the power of countless random experiments in a humongous range of conditions... of yielding different pathways to achieving the same functionality.

Waiter! I'll have whatever he's having.

 

[Jade Jaguar]

I'm thinking about changing the name of this thread to "This used to be just for fun" since somewhere along the line it seems to have turned into a symposium on xenobiology and genetics.

Regards,

Joe

SO, what do you get if you cross an elephant with a rhinocerous?

'Elefino!

 

[Zathras]

SO, what do you get if you cross an elephant with a rhinocerous?

'Elefino!

Along similar lines...

If Ella Fitzgerald married Darth Vader her name would be ELLA VADER!

 

[Joseph DeMartino]

You're both lucky the Narn Bat Squad only hangs out on the moderated newsgroup and doesn't make house-calls or you'd be...

Oh.

Wait a second...

Wham! Wham! Wham! Wham! Wham! WHAM!

Wham!

Looks like I was wrong. They do make house-calls.

Regards,

Joe

 

[GKarsEye]

Ok, it's corny, but I ain't never heard that, so I think it's freakin' funny.

Now I have this image of the Dark Lord of the Sith singing "The Lady is a Tramp" in my hand.

 

[sleepy_shadow]

Wham! Wham! Wham! Wham! <edit> Crack! </edit>

:: dusts off a spike from traces of wood ::

Why does that bloody Narn Bat Squad... always insist on breaking their bats on the Shadow Nitpicking Team? I mean... is the SNT invisible or something?! Is there a lack of warrior-caste Minbari to enter a permanent agreement of satisfying the need to bash things?

I mean, they are needlessly endangering themselves. Could seriously cut themselves. All this senseless rushing and pronouced physical effort... diminishes their attention to low-profile obstacles.

 

[Nancy]

I'm thinking about changing the name of this thread to "This used to be just for fun" since somewhere along the line it seems to have turned into a symposium on xenobiology and genetics.

Hey! Xenobiology and genetics is fun! Right? Or maybe I just like making you write long posts.

 

[DaRkEnEdStAr]

I suppose he could put this down as a "diplomatic relations expense"