Ancient Technology Activation gene
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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 (similar to how certain Goa'uld technology requires naqahdah in the user's bloodstream).
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[edit] Overview
According to Dr. Beckett, who discovered the existence of this gene, the ATA gene is always activated, 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 [1]. 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 [2].
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, cannot be used by someone without the gene (for example, only those with the ATA gene can pilot the Puddle Jumpers). [1]
Not all gene carriers, however, can use the gene in the same way. For most of them, it requires training and practice[1], but a few (like Col. Sheppard and Maj. Gen. Jack O'Neill) can do it easily and intuitively (in fact, this is why Dr. Weir insisted that Sheppard be part of the Atlantis expedition).
Later, Dr. Beckett develops an in vivo retroviral gene therapy (using a deactivated mouse retrovirus) to transfer the Ancient gene expression to humans[3]; however, only about 48% of those who undergo the procedure are rewarded with the ATA gene [4]. In reality, there has been experimentation with in vivo retroviral gene therapy, but despite some success (e.g. in treatment of lung cancer), it is believed to be extremely dangerous, with serious side effects including leukemia.[citation needed]
It has not yet been clearly explained what the exact source of the ATA gene is. It has been variously theorized by fans to be the result of deliberate experimentation on humans by the Ancients, or due to human/Ancient crossbreeding in the distant past. The fact that the only known planet in Pegasus with natural ATA carriers was home to an Ancient city supports either of the theories.
[edit] Gene carriers from Earth
[edit] Natural carriers
- Major General Jack O'Neill [5], [6], [7]. References to Gen. O'Neill having an "evolved" gene were made by the Asgard early in the series.
- Major/Lt. Colonel John Sheppard. [1] Sheppard apparently has a very strong form of the gene, and operates Ancient technology almost instinctively.
- Dr. Carson Beckett [1] [8]
- Sgt. Markham (Deceased) [9]
- Dr. Kusanagi (mentioned but never seen)
- Joe Spencer [10]
- Jack O'Neill's clone
[edit] By gene therapy
- Dr. Rodney McKay - First human trial. [11]
- Col. Dillon Everett [12]
- Some of Col. Everett's troops.
[edit] Unknown source
[edit] Unsuccessful gene therapy
- Dr. Radek Zelenka [4]
[edit] Uncertain
- Dr. Daniel Jackson became capable of utilizing 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. Since the technology pre-programmed Jackson's DNA to revert to a form it was in prior to looking into the repository, it is presumable that his ability to utilize Ancient and Ori technology disappeared when he reverted to his natural form. He has not used any ATA gene-based technology since. (The Shroud).
- Jonas Quinn often showed hints of being somewhat future down the road to ascension and higher human evolution then other humans, a fact that greatly interested the System Lord Nirrti when she was able to study his DNA with an Ancient DNA machine, as part of her own study into evoloving humans into higher level beings (such as Ancients, Priors and so on). This apparent probing of his genetic code later manifested itself with an ability to see into the future and increasing brain activity. While not indications per se of the presence of the ATA gene, they are strong indicators of the possibility.
[edit] Aiden Ford controversy
Lt. Aiden Ford asked for the gene therapy during the nanovirus crisis [4], but it was never said if he got it after the crisis or not. That's the reason there was some doubt among fans about if Lt. Ford had or not the gene after he used a Puddle Jumper to run away from Atlantis in "The Siege, Part 3" [16]. In a message in Gateworld forums [17] 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."
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e "Rising". Stargate Atlantis.
- ^ "The Tower". Stargate Atlantis.
- ^ "Hide and Seek". Stargate Atlantis.
- ^ a b c "Hot Zone". Stargate Atlantis.
- ^ "Lost City". Stargate SG-1.
- ^ It's Good to Be King.
- ^ Moebius.
- ^ "Sunday". Stargate Atlantis.
- ^ "Thirty-eight Minutes". Stargate Atlantis.
- ^ "Citizen Joe". Stargate SG-1.
- ^ "Hide and Seek". Stargate Atlantis.
- ^ "The Siege, Part 2". Stargate Atlantis.
- ^ Miller piloted a Jumper in "The Siege, Part 1". Stargate Atlantis.
- ^ Lorne piloted a Jumper in "Condemned". Stargate Atlantis.
- ^ Abrams used a life signs detector in "The Defiant One". Stargate Atlantis.
- ^ "The Siege, Part 3". Stargate Atlantis.
- ^ Ford and the Jumper - A clarification by Martin Gero
[edit] External links
- "Ancient Technology Activation at GateWorld Omnipedia.
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