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The Ancient Technology Activation gene (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 their technology. 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. 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 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 can do it easily and intuitively. Lt. Colonel John Sheppard is extremly intuitive in fact, this is why Dr. Weir insisted that he be part of the Atlantis Expedition.

In the episode ATL: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.

Gene Carriers

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By Gene Therapy

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Unsuccessful Gene Therapy

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