Ancient Technology Activation gene

In the science fiction television series Stargate Atlantis and Stargate SG-1, the Ancient Technology Activation Gene (usually spoken as the ATA Gene), is a specific gene expression present in Ancients that is used as a sort of "genetic key", so only their kind can operate some of their technology, specifically the most powerful devices.

Overview

According to Dr. Beckett, who discovered the existence of this gene, the ATA gene is always active, 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 the gene carriers to operate Ancient technology .A small percentage of humans from Earth have this gene, as well as an infinitesimal percentage on at least one planet in the Pegasus Galaxy .

Some Ancient technology only needs to be "activated" by someone possessing this gene, and then remains usable by those without the gene afterward. Some other technology, however, can only be used by someone with the gene. Not all gene carriers can use the gene in the same way. For some, it requires training and practice, but a few can do it easily and intuitively.

Dr. Beckett eventually developed an in vivo retroviral gene therapy (using a deactivated mouse retrovirus) to transfer The Ancient gene expression to humans; however, only about 48% of those who undergo the procedure are rewarded with the ATA gene .

Gene carriers from Earth

NATURAL carriers

• Major General Jack O'Neill
• Major/Lt. Colonel John Sheppard. Sheppard apparently has a very strong form of the gene, and operates Ancient technology almost instinctively.
• Dr. Carson Beckett (Deceased)
• Sgt. Markham (Deceased)
• Dr. Kusanagi (mentioned but never seen)
• Joe Spencer
• Jack O'Neill's clone

By gene therapy

• Dr. Rodney McKay - First human trial.
• Col. Dillon Everett
• Some of Col. Everett's troops.

Unknown source

• Lt. Miller
• Dr. Abrams
• Major Lorne

Unsuccessful gene therapy

• Dr. Radek Zelenka

Uncertain

• Dr. Daniel Jackson utilized ancient technology after he encountered the Ancient Repository that Merlin used in his laboratory. This technology modified the genetic make up of Dr. Jackson so he could resist The Effects of being transformed into an Ori Prior, as well as allowing him to house Merlin's consciousness. Whether it modified his genetics to include the Ancient gene, or whether he already possessed it, is unknown. He has not used any ATA gene-based technology since. (The Shroud).

Aiden Ford controversy

Lt. Aiden Ford asked for the gene therapy during the nanovirus crisis , but it was never said if he got it after the crisis or not. For this reason, there was some doubt among fans about whether or not Lt. Ford had the gene after he used a Puddle Jumper to leave Atlantis in "The Siege, Part 3" . In a message in Gateworld forums series' writer Martin Gero explained that Ford does not have the gene, that "The Jumpers, while in near and inside Atlantis, are pretty much on autopilot when it comes to landing and taking off."

External links

• "Ancient Technology Activation at GateWorld Omnipedia.

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