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, specially the most powerful devices. According to Dr. Beckett, who discovered the existence of this gene, 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 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 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 pilot the Puddle Jumpers).
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 (like Major Sheppard) can do it easily and intuitively (in fact, this is why Dr. Weir insisted that he be part of the Atlantis expedition).
Later, Dr. Beckett develops a 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 .
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.
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 a natural step in evolution, or due to human/Ancient crossbreeding in the distant past.
Gene carriers from Earth
Natural carriers
- Brigadier General Jack O'Neill . References to Gen. O'Neill having a "evolved" gene were made by the Asgard early in the series.
- Major/Lt. Colonel John Sheppard. Sheppard apparently has a very strong form of the gene, and operates Ancient technology almost instinctively.
- Dr. Carson Beckett
- Sgt. Markham (Deceased)
- Dr. Kusanagi (mentioned but never seen)
- Joe Spencer
By gene therapy
- Dr. Rodney McKay - First human trial.
- Col. Dillion Everett
- Some of Col. Everett's troops.
Unknown source
Unsuccessful gene therapy
- Dr. Radek Zelenka
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. 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 2" . In a message in Gateworld forums [Ford and the Jumper - A clarification by Martin Gero] 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."References
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