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Not many worlds can capture the attention of sci-fi fanatics as much asStar Trek. Couched in its universe are a variety of interesting, unique species, races, andcivilizations such as the Tellarites and Andorians; fans would undoubtedly concur that the Vulcans are easily one of the most recognizable.
Introduced and made popular through Spock, the Vulcans’ unique body composition is an often-discussed topic in theStar Trekfandom. From their genitals to internal organs and blood, “different” is the watchword. Many viewers simply relegated Vulcan Blood’s green shade to an aesthetic choice, as pop culture has bathed aliens in green. But in truth, it was anything but. So why green and not red…or any other color? As with most things in theStar Trekfranchise, the answer is embedded in real-world scientific and biological concepts. From the conditions of their home planet to the chemistry of their blood, there is a proper explanation for this unusual coloration, one that tickles the fancy of their target audience.
The Vulcans OfStar TrekHave A Copper-Based Circulatory System
Vulcan Physiology Is, Simply Put, Unique
Vulcan blood appears green because of the element it is based on. Unlike human blood, which contains iron-based hemoglobin,Vulcan blood has copper-based hemocyanin moleculesthat give it a green hue when oxidized. It’s not an entirely fictional idea considering that the blood of marine organisms such as horseshoe crabs and octopuses contains hemocyanin, of which copper is a known constituent.
However, this doesn’t mean there is no room for questions, one of which goes thus: If marine blood with hemocyanin is blue, why isn’t Vulcan blood the same?Thanks to “sci-fi license”, it’s easy to formulate several hypotheses, which fans have aptly done. The most popular ones center around environmental and molecular structural factors. As aliens, the Vulcan hemocyanin structure could differ from its marine life inspiration due to planetary conditions, giving their blood the green or verdigris quality they’ve been shown to possess. Expecting their internal and genetic make-up to be entirely similar to their inspiration would not be typical ofStar Trek, as blending fiction with plausible science is what they are famous for.
Why Is Vulcan Physiology The Way It Is In TheStar TrekFranchise?
Easy Answer: Blame Planet Vulcan
Vulcan physiology is not just a slap-dash gimmick to portray aliens. It is evolution precipitated by the unforgiving grind of their home planet. Said to be larger than Earth,Vulcan — now known as Ni’var— is a hot, arid planet with high gravity and a thin atmosphere. Its inhabitants had to survive harsh conditions, developing immense strength and other bodily changes that would be unusual for humans. Thus, the green shade of Vulcan blood is an adaptation to the thin atmosphere of the planet. Compared to iron-based blood, which is favorable to Earth’s condition, the Vulcan planet is not so kind. Copper-based blood functions better at lower oxygen pressures, which makes the inspiration from marine organisms more plausible.
A Vulcan’s blood can turn red if brought down by certain illnesses
Referring to the planet as a breeding ground for the most versatile and resilient organisms built for survival would not be out of the question. Vulcans' unique circulatory system also means that they have an unorthodox internal organ structure — the heart is located in the lower right side of the torso as opposed to the left, and the presence of multiple livers. They owe their superior strength to the copper-based blood coursing their veins, as efficient oxygen distribution decreases physical exertion. It might also explain their strict adherence to logic.
However, not all is bright for Vulcan blood and physiology. Fatal diseases such as Pa’nar Syndrome, contracted through mind melds, need special treatments for Vulcans as seen inStar Trek: EnterprisewhereDr. Phlox often needed to adjust treatmentsfor T’Pol and other Vulcans.
There Are Some Serious Questions That Vulcans Need To Answer
We’re Waiting, Mr. Spock…
The Human-Vulcan hybrid Spock seems to be chink in the armor of logical explanation surrounding Vulcan anatomical and physiological configuration. With an origin tied to both races, hisVulcan attributes are usually subject to comparison with human ones, including circumstances surrounding his birth and status as a hybrid.
How Did Spock’s Mother Carry Him To Term If His Blood Is Copper-Based?
ConsideringSpock has a human mother — named Amanda Grayson— and therefore carries iron-rich blood, it begs the question: How was he conceived and successfully made it through gestation? With no particular explanation in the universe, fans came up with several theories that make it appear less complex. Their constitution may vary, but iron-based and copper-based blood both have an affinity for oxygen; so transferring oxygen from hemoglobin to hemocyanin should not be a problem.
If Spock Is Half-Human And Half-Vulcan, Why Is His Blood Green?
This is one of those questions that most fans simply answer with Mendel’s Law of Dominance. They believe the Vulcan gene to be dominant since Spock inherited their blood and developed other Vulcan-only physical traits, such as double eyelids. Several complexities are involved in birthing a half-Vulcan from a human, butStar TrekbeingStar Trekgrants fans the liberty to hunt for answers to mysterious questions.
Can Their Blood Turn Red?
The answer — although not under cheerful circumstances — is yes. Diseases such as the Cymbeline Blood Burn may redden Vulcan blood. However, this only happens in the terminal stage.
