Ancient Technology Activation gene
From SGCommand
The Ancient Technology Activation (ATA) Gene, is a specific gene expression present within the DNA of the Ancients that was used as a sort of "genetic key", so only their kind can operate their technology.
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[edit] Overview
According to Dr. Beckett, who discovered its existence, the ATA gene is always on, instructing various cells in the body to produce a series of proteins and enzymes that interact with the skin, the nervous system and the brain, allowing gene carriers to operate Ancient technology. Since a small percentage of humans from Earth are descendants of the Ancients, some of them already have this gene.
Some Ancient technology only needs to be "activated" by someone possessing this gene and it remains usable by those without the gene afterward. Some other technology, however, cannot be used by someone without the gene (for example, only those with the ATA gene can interact with the neural interface of a control chair, pilot a Puddle jumper, and use the life signs detector).
Not all gene carriers, however, can use the gene in the same way. For most of them, it requires training and practice, but a few can do it easily and intuitively. Lt. Col. John Sheppard is extremly intuitive in fact, this is why Dr. Weir insisted that he be part of the Atlantis Expedition. General Jack O'Neill also possesses a strong form of the gene.
In the episode Hide and Seek, the Atlantis expedition team began to employ the in vivo retroviral gene therapy (using a deactivated mouse retrovirus) to transfer the Ancient gene expression to humans; however, only about a 48% of those who undergo the procedure are rewarded with the ATA gene, and even then it is not always permanent.
[edit] Gene Carriers
[edit] Naturally
- General Jack O'Neill (SG1: "Lost City, Part 2")
- Major/Lt. Colonel John Sheppard (ATL: "Rising")
- Dr. Carson Beckett (ATL: "Rising")
- Sgt. Markham
- Dr. Kusanagi (mentioned but never seen)
- Joe Spencer (SG1: "Citizen Joe")
- Major Lorne
[edit] By Gene Therapy
- Dr. Rodney McKay (ATL: "Hide and Seek")
- Col. Dillon Everett (ATL: "The Siege, Part 2")
- Some of Col. Everett's troops (ATL: "The Siege, Part 2")
- Lt. Morrison (ATL: "Misbegotten")
[edit] Unknown Source
- Lt. Miller (ATL: "The Siege, Part 1")
- Dr. Abrams (ATL: "The Defiant One")
[edit] Unsuccessful Gene Therapy
- Dr. Radek Zelenka (ATL: "Hot Zone")
[edit] Trivia
- O'Neill and Sheppard apparently have a very strong form of the gene, and operate Ancient technology almost instinctively.
- It is possible the ATA Gene-produced proteins and enzymes cause the synaptic pathways in the nervous system to generate minute electromagnetic fields that signals Ancient technology to work. However, this has yet to be confirmed.
[edit] External links
- GateWorld's article on Ancient technology activation in The Stargate Omnipedia
- Ancient Technology Activation Gene on Wikipedia
