Re: Could radiation really result in a mutation as incredible as 'Godzilla'?

Dru-

	Certain types of radiation do cause mutations in DNA and can result in 
cellular processes going out of control; a good example of this are certain 
types of cancer. However, body size in animals is a complex trait often 
determined and controlled by a number of different genes. For a "Godzilla" 
to be created, a number of these genes would have to be mutated all at once 
which is highly unlikely.

	A more possible scenario would be that one (or both) of Godzilla's 
parents were affected by radiation causing mutations in the "germ line," or 
the sperm and/or egg that united to form Godzilla. If a gene or genes that 
control development of the embryo were mutated by radiation, body size, 
shape, or other traits like number and placement of eyes, arms, legs etc. 
could be altered.  For example, there are mutant fruit flies that have eyes 
located on their front legs!

	So the short answer is no; Godzilla could not result from irradiating a 
lizard or other reptile-like creature. But it is good science-fiction.

Dr. Mark Woelfle
Dept. of Molecular Biology
Vanderbilt University