Emma Frost "The White Queen”

Emma Frost"The White Queen” by Mr. Capodagli

Mutation • Mutation- a genetic variation that has either a beneficial or detrimental physiological effect on the organism. • Pre-birth mutation occurs in the developing organism and may include a new adaptation that allows the organism to survive better in its habitat or attract mates. An negative mutation may include the absence or underdevelopment of a normative trait or undesirable new trait. • Post-birth mutation may be the result of an error in DNA replication prior to Mitosis or exposure to mutagen such as environmental toxin or radiation.

Mutant abilities • Emma Frost has non-congruent mutations to the normative human Homo Sapiens genetic structure. • One Nervous System mutation supports psychic abilities; most specifically telepathy. • Her second mutation allows her Integumentary System to transform into from supple cell membrane to flexible diamond.

Abbreviated Biography • Emma Frost was born to a wealthy Manhattan family and attended boarding school until her initial mutation of telepathy manifested. She used her ability without ethics or prudence to subjugate men and become a successful business woman. • Her influence gained her admission to a wealthy elitist mutant group called the Hellfire club. She operated as ruthless opponent of the X-men as well as being Headmaster of her own mutant school during this period. Her school was destroyed in an explosion by mutant haters. Her students all died but she survived via the second mutation of her "Diamond" form. • The trauma of the event elicited "survivors guilt" and she joined the X-men as a penance. She continues to walk the line of morality acting as an "anti-hero."

Impossibility for Existence of Abilities • In exploring her second ability, to transform her Integumentary tissues into diamond, we must examine how diamond is formed in natural settings. • Diamond is a carbon based composite derived from organic matter that has been exposed to the variables of 5 megapascals pressure, 2732 °F temperature, and a minimum of 9 months time. • Given that her transformation oscillates between and diamond and pliable flesh instantaneously (time) and without giving off or absorbing heat (temperature) she must undergo this metamorphosis in a non-conventional reaction.

Possibilities for Existence of Abilities • There are organisms that have the ability to adjust their color and density and these processes provide an explanation for her power. • Marine invertebrate Cephalopods such as, squids and octopus, the common octopus vulgaris have typical animal phospho bi-lipid cell membranes and can contract their tissues in becoming firm to avoid laceration in fights or dilate these tissues to become supple when squeezing into small spaces. • The patterns and colors seen in cephalopods are produced by different layers of cells stacked together, and changing the angels of the cells allows cephalopods to possess such a large array of patterns and colors. • Emma Frost may be simultaneously enlisting vasoconstriction and cellular movement to produce a diamond like skin that is both firm and shiny.

Possibilities for Existence of Abilities • The ability to transform the arrangement of matter in organic tissue is another possibility for “diamond” skin. Carbon alone, of all the elements, has four valence electrons that allow for a wide variety of atomic interactions. • The human Integumentary System uses collagen proteins to give it its elasticity. Proteins vary only in their structure and interactions with other elements such as phosphorus and nitrogen. Kevlar, a synthetic protein used in bullet proof vests, has a the additional element Chlorine in its chemical composition and is durable as steel. • Emma Frost may have quantities of elemental Chlorine in her cells which she activates with enzymes to alter the composition of her basic Integumentary System.

Ability in Action • Cephlapod • Diamond Form

Work Sited • Yaco, Link, and Karen Haber. The science of the X-men . New York: BP Books ;, 2001. Print. • Wood , James, and Kelsie Jackson. "Cephalopods Chromatophores." How Cephalopods Change Color. N.p., 16 Sept. 2004. Web. 10 Apr. 2011. • Hanlon, R.T. & Messenger, J.B. (2003) Cephalopod Behaviour, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge UK. • Kingdom, United. "Diamond Formation." Diamonds. Diamonds are forever, n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2011. <http://www.diamonds-are-forever.org.uk/diamond-formation.htm>. • "Emma Frost." wiltonford. Web. 13 May 2011. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFDMQrn-q_Q&feature=related>.

Emma Frost "The White Queen”