Saiyans are a fictional alien race featured in the Dragon Ball manga and anime series. They possess a unique biological adaptation that allows them to greatly increase their power through transformations triggered by emotional upheaval. This ability is facilitated by special cells in their body called S cells.
What are S Cells?
S cells, or Saiya cells, are unique cells found only in Saiyans. They contain mysterious genetic material that allows Saiyans to trigger powerful transformations when needed. Dr. Gero, an evil scientist in Dragon Ball, theorized that these cells are the source of the Saiyan ability to transform into Super Saiyans and other powered-up forms.
When a Saiyan experiences intense emotion or energy, such as rage or the urgency of combat, their S cells are stimulated. This triggers an immediate transformation that amplifies their power significantly. For example, the Super Saiyan transformation multiplies a Saiyan’s base power by 50x its normal amount.
Although all Saiyans possess S cells, only some have enough to achieve the Super Saiyan form. This may explain why Super Saiyans are rare, even among the battle-loving Saiyan race. The cells seem to be most sensitive to emotion in young Saiyans, especially children. This emotional volatility helps trigger their first transformations at early ages.
The Discovery of S Cells
S cells were first theorized by Dr. Gero when he examined the biological data of Goku and other Saiyans. During his study, he isolated a unique cell type found only in Saiyans that seemed responsible for their transformations. He named these cells “S cells” after the Saiyan race.
Dr. Gero sought to exploit S cells in his creation of Cell, an artificial lifeform designed to gain the powers of the Saiyans and other warriors. By integrating S cells from Goku and Vegeta, Cell could transform into higher forms just like a true Saiyan. This proved the unique nature and function of S cells.
Other scientists, such as Dr. Collie of the Red Ribbon Army, also referenced S cells in their Saiyan research. But it was Dr. Gero who first identified the existence and purpose of this special cell type.
How S Cells Trigger Transformations
The exact process by which S cells trigger Saiyan transformations is not fully explained. However, the general mechanism seems to be:
- Intense emotion or energy raises adrenaline and other hormones.
- These hormonal changes trigger a chemical reaction with the S cells.
- The S cells release an energy-amplifying wavelength throughout the body.
- This amplifying wavelength stimulates bio-electrical activity to increase strength and power.
- Physical changes occur including altered hair color and increased muscle mass.
In this way, excitement, rage, determination or even desperation can activate the S cells to produce a Super Saiyan transformation. The same process enables additional transformations at even higher power levels.
Unique Properties of S Cells
S cells have a number of unique properties that set them apart from other cell types:
- They are colored golden yellow, giving them a distinct appearance under a microscope.
- They have a spongy, malleable structure that can expand and contract.
- They contain organelles and enzymes not found in human cells.
- They store genetic information related to Saiyan transformations.
- They absorb and amplify certain wavelengths of energy.
These traits enable S cells to amplify a Saiyan’s power when activated. Their spongy makeup allows rapid growth and distortion during transformations. The genetic data they carry encodes instructions to produce the physical changes associated with each form. And their energy absorption properties provide the raw power needed for the boost in strength.
S Cell Levels Between Saiyans
Not all Saiyans possess the same amount of S cells. This genetic factor accounts for why some Saiyans struggle to achieve Super Saiyan status whereas others can do it more easily:
- Low-class Saiyans – Have enough S cells for Oozaru transformation only.
- Mid-class Saiyans – Have enough S cells to achieve Super Saiyan eventually.
- Elite-class Saiyans – Have very high S cell counts and can access Super Saiyan early in life.
- Half-Saiyan hybrids – Varying S cell levels depending on their genes.
When Goku turned Super Saiyan on Namek, his S cell count was around 300 million per kilogram. Vegeta and Trunks underwent severe training to increase their S cells to this level. Hybrids like Gohan seem to inherit high base levels of S cells.
Incremental Evolution of S Cells
A Saiyan’s S cells continue to evolve and increase in number over their lifetime. Intensive training or combat causes S cells to multiply rapidly. Each major transformation causes the cells to grow stronger.
This incremental evolution of S cells enables the Saiyan to achieve further transformations with sufficient diligence. For example, Future Trunks accessed the 2nd Grade Super Saiyan form after rigorous training increased his S cell count. This gradual process keeps Saiyans continually getting stronger.
Healing Ability of S Cells
Along with enhancing transformations, S cells give Saiyans greater healing abilities. Minor injuries heal almost immediately, while severe wounds and broken bones mend rapidly. Researchers theorize the wavelengths emitted by active S cells accelerate the body’s natural healing process.
However, some catastrophic injuries, like Goku’s heart virus, can overwhelm S cells. Their healing powers seem limited to physical damage, with slower benefits for illnesses. But overall, active S cells offer tremendous rejuvenation advantages.
Origins and Mutations of S Cells
The origins of S cells remain uncertain. Some fans theorize they arose in ancient Saiyan history from genetic mutations. Selective pressure then caused S cell prevalence to increase in the population due to the advantage they conferred.
Others speculate S cells originated from biological experiments conducted by the ancient Saiyan scientist group. By engineering special cell traits, they may have created the transformations themselves. However, no canonical evidence supports either theory.
Interestingly, other biological anomalies like the Great Ape transformation may interact with S cells. Saiyan tails could trigger increased S cell activity, hinting at some interrelation. More scientific study is needed to unravel these mysteries.
Significance for Hybrid Saiyans
Hybrid Saiyans, who have both Saiyan and human ancestry, possess a variable amount of S cells depending on their genetics. For example, Gohan seems to have a high base S cell level despite being half-human. This gives him enormous transformation potential.
Goten and Trunks achieved Super Saiyan at very young ages due to their likely hybrid vigor from having a human mother. Their human emotions and energy metabolism could also stimulate their Saiyan cells more easily. Understanding this biology helps optimize hybrid training.
Some hybrids like Cell even have augmented S cells designed for rapid power evolution. Overall, hybrid Saiyan biology has enormous complexities related to their specialized cells.
Bio-Artificial Saiyans
Dr. Gero’s attempts to create Bio-Artificial humans incorporated S cells to try replicating Saiyan abilities. By integrating the cells into constructs like Cell, he enabled them to increase their power and access transformations reserved for Saiyans.
Android 21 contained a large number of S cells, allowing her to transform into various powerful Majin forms. Other scientists sought to build Bio-Artificial Saiyans as well with the cells. However, ethical issues plague such experiments.
These examples prove the versatility of S cells for augmenting strength and granting form changes. But more research is needed to determine if artificial constructs can fully utilize Saiyan biology.
Risk of Cell Degeneration
Despite their advantages, S cells carry risks if overused. Constant transformation and powering up causes cellular damage. Excessive S cell activation can lead to deterioration, lowering the Saiyan’s baseline strength.
For example, Future Trunks experienced severe muscle reduction after using Grade 3 Super Saiyan for extended periods. His S cells struggled to maintain the transformation. Proper training and recovery time is essential to avoid degeneration.
Additionally, massive power-ups like Ultra Super Saiyan distort S cell physiology. Such forms cannot be sustained long without negative effects. Finding the right balance is key to harness S cells.
Mysteries Remaining
Many mysteries still surround Saiyan S cells. Some questions future studies hope to address include:
- What is their exact cellular structure and composition?
- How do they interact with emotions and environmental energy?
- What genetic information do they carry to encode transformations?
- Can they be transferred successfully to other species?
- What is their developmental origin in Saiyans?
Ongoing anime storylines may reveal additional insights into S cell biology. But for now, they remain one of the most intriguing aspects of Saiyan physiology.
Conclusion
Saiyan S cells give the remarkable transformations and power boosts that define the Saiyan race. When stimulated, these special cells release amplifying wavelengths that alter the body and greatly enhance capabilities. S cell quantity varies among Saiyans and increases with training and each new form.
However, many details about their function and origins are still unknown. Further scientific study of these mysterious cells may yield answers about the Saiyans’ incredible abilities. While the full truths of S cells are yet to be uncovered, they stand as a testament to the tremendous potential of Saiyan biology.
