Difference between revisions of "Metagene"
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Metagenes are a unique genetic component that create superhuman capabilities in certain individuals. It is a product of evolution and genetic tampering by an ancient race of immortals called [[Celestial]]s. Around .00005% of the global population of humans has such genetic markers. | Metagenes are a unique genetic component that create superhuman capabilities in certain individuals. It is a product of evolution and genetic tampering by an ancient race of immortals called [[Celestial]]s. Around .00005% of the global population of humans has such genetic markers. | ||
| − | Metagenes often lie dormant, sometimes for an entire lifetime. The source | + | Metagenes often lie dormant, sometimes for an entire lifetime. The source code of the [[Celestial]] DNA code is encoded in the amygdala and is triggered as a result of significant stress. It is a 'lifesaver' of sorts for the subject, rapidly rebuilding the genome with new DNA to protect the host. Extreme stresses can include injury, radiation, poisoning, toxic materials, or even birth. Biologists still struggle to understand the precise mechanism of this genetic recompiling. Traditional medical practitioners suspect that part of the process draws upon the subconscious awareness of the subject to 'shape' the powers that they acquire, along lines of cultural or ethnological tropes and themes. This is a view disregarded by much of the mainstream medical community. |
A specific variant of the metagene has been identified as the X-gene and has given rise to the prevalence of [[mutants]]. Unlike the emergency encoding contained in the brain, the X-gene carries normally on the back of the cellular chromosomes and is detectable with a chromosomal profiler or cellular scans. X-genes are still activated by the amygdala, specifically triggered at the onset of puberty due to the rising levels of cortisol. It is possible but rare for the X-gene to manifest earlier in life, including instances where the patient was exposed to intense stress for that deliberate purpose. | A specific variant of the metagene has been identified as the X-gene and has given rise to the prevalence of [[mutants]]. Unlike the emergency encoding contained in the brain, the X-gene carries normally on the back of the cellular chromosomes and is detectable with a chromosomal profiler or cellular scans. X-genes are still activated by the amygdala, specifically triggered at the onset of puberty due to the rising levels of cortisol. It is possible but rare for the X-gene to manifest earlier in life, including instances where the patient was exposed to intense stress for that deliberate purpose. | ||
| − | + | Most metahuman talents are barely detectable, manifesting as heightened metabolism and motor skills, or increased intelligence and low level empathic/[[Telepathy|telepathic]] talents. These abilities are exceptional by most people's standards, but not to the point of being noticeably superhuman. Metahuman talents are rarely diverse and tend to fit a few common categorizations. The most common metahuman abilities tend to be lumped into rough groups: 'bruisers' with increased physical characteristics; 'movers' with telekinetic capabilities; 'psychics' capable of telepathic or empathic communication; 'witches' capable of channeling magic; and 'blasters' who can channel energy biologically. Metahumans are also prone to exaggerated development of secondary physical characteristics, such as grossly deformed skeletal and muscular development. | |
| − | + | The most substantial research into metagenes was conducted by [[Nathaniel Essex]]. His research carried on through [[World War II]] under the pseudonym of Josef Mengele. Following the war, Essex disguised himself yet again and helped create the [[Weapon Plus]] program to advance study of metahumans. [[Logan Howlett]] became one of the first 'codes' to be deciphered, which is why accelerated healing is a common trait among [[Weapon X]] survivors/products. The most efficient method for metagene therapy is to start with someone who has a very weak metagene response that has been activated by some severe physical or mental trauma. The military is a good proving ground for this theory and is why [[CADMUS]] so frequently uses military personnel as a source of fresh metahumans for the Special Operation Teams of [[Stormwatch]]. | |
| − | + | Not everyone with superhuman qualities is a mutant, or a product of Celestial engineering. There are other forces that can cause this sort of forced evolution; genetic splicing, CRISPr editing, or cellular reconstruction are just a few of the many ways that people evolve past their biological limitations. | |
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| + | Certain metahumans are designated as unique sub-species. Homo Superior refers to [[mutants]] with chromosomal X-genes. [[Homo Magi]] refers to descendants of [[Atlantis]] who have natural affinities for magic. Homo Eternis refers to the [[Eternal]]s, early hominids subjected to rapidly accelerated evolution and directly coded with Celestial DNA. [[Inhuman]]s were exposed to [[Terrigen Mists]] to trigger a meta-genetic crisis. Modern Inhumans have a shared genetic legacy with the ancient tribe of Inhumans who were created by [[Vandal Savage]] tampering with their genetic codes. | ||
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[[Category: Encyclopedia]] | [[Category: Encyclopedia]] | ||
Revision as of 13:38, 8 June 2022
Metagenes are a unique genetic component that create superhuman capabilities in certain individuals. It is a product of evolution and genetic tampering by an ancient race of immortals called Celestials. Around .00005% of the global population of humans has such genetic markers.
Metagenes often lie dormant, sometimes for an entire lifetime. The source code of the Celestial DNA code is encoded in the amygdala and is triggered as a result of significant stress. It is a 'lifesaver' of sorts for the subject, rapidly rebuilding the genome with new DNA to protect the host. Extreme stresses can include injury, radiation, poisoning, toxic materials, or even birth. Biologists still struggle to understand the precise mechanism of this genetic recompiling. Traditional medical practitioners suspect that part of the process draws upon the subconscious awareness of the subject to 'shape' the powers that they acquire, along lines of cultural or ethnological tropes and themes. This is a view disregarded by much of the mainstream medical community.
A specific variant of the metagene has been identified as the X-gene and has given rise to the prevalence of mutants. Unlike the emergency encoding contained in the brain, the X-gene carries normally on the back of the cellular chromosomes and is detectable with a chromosomal profiler or cellular scans. X-genes are still activated by the amygdala, specifically triggered at the onset of puberty due to the rising levels of cortisol. It is possible but rare for the X-gene to manifest earlier in life, including instances where the patient was exposed to intense stress for that deliberate purpose.
Most metahuman talents are barely detectable, manifesting as heightened metabolism and motor skills, or increased intelligence and low level empathic/telepathic talents. These abilities are exceptional by most people's standards, but not to the point of being noticeably superhuman. Metahuman talents are rarely diverse and tend to fit a few common categorizations. The most common metahuman abilities tend to be lumped into rough groups: 'bruisers' with increased physical characteristics; 'movers' with telekinetic capabilities; 'psychics' capable of telepathic or empathic communication; 'witches' capable of channeling magic; and 'blasters' who can channel energy biologically. Metahumans are also prone to exaggerated development of secondary physical characteristics, such as grossly deformed skeletal and muscular development.
The most substantial research into metagenes was conducted by Nathaniel Essex. His research carried on through World War II under the pseudonym of Josef Mengele. Following the war, Essex disguised himself yet again and helped create the Weapon Plus program to advance study of metahumans. Logan Howlett became one of the first 'codes' to be deciphered, which is why accelerated healing is a common trait among Weapon X survivors/products. The most efficient method for metagene therapy is to start with someone who has a very weak metagene response that has been activated by some severe physical or mental trauma. The military is a good proving ground for this theory and is why CADMUS so frequently uses military personnel as a source of fresh metahumans for the Special Operation Teams of Stormwatch.
Not everyone with superhuman qualities is a mutant, or a product of Celestial engineering. There are other forces that can cause this sort of forced evolution; genetic splicing, CRISPr editing, or cellular reconstruction are just a few of the many ways that people evolve past their biological limitations.
Certain metahumans are designated as unique sub-species. Homo Superior refers to mutants with chromosomal X-genes. Homo Magi refers to descendants of Atlantis who have natural affinities for magic. Homo Eternis refers to the Eternals, early hominids subjected to rapidly accelerated evolution and directly coded with Celestial DNA. Inhumans were exposed to Terrigen Mists to trigger a meta-genetic crisis. Modern Inhumans have a shared genetic legacy with the ancient tribe of Inhumans who were created by Vandal Savage tampering with their genetic codes.
