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{{cite}}'''Gene-seed''' is the term given to the unique genetic materials material used to transform a normal [[human ]] into a super-human [[Space Marine]]. The gene-seed of specific Chapters are more stable than others, also variations in certain Chapter's methods of implantation have resulted in further degredation in genetic stability in some cases. The gene-seed of the [[Ultramarines]] is considered the most stable and thus they are the most preferred source of gene-seed for creating new Space Marine Chapters.

Even before the [[Emperor]] had unified [[Terra]], his armies included genetically altered warriors, the [[Thunder Warriors]]. Although these soldiers were far less powerful than the later Space Marines, it was during this period that the techniques for restructuring genetic codes were perfected. Individual germ-cells, called gene-seeds, were isolated and genetically modified, eventually being used to create specific organs which could be implanted into a warrior.^{1 pg6}{{Fn|1a}}

The development of these organs took many centuries and the research was in fact an off-shoot of the aborted [[Primarch]] project. The Primarchs were god-like beings whose powers far outstripped even that of a "regular" Space Marine, samples . Samples of genetic tissue were taken from each of the foetal fetal Primarchs and used to create the gene-seed of the original twenty [[Space Marine Legion]]s. Thus each of the original Legions (and therefore their successor [[Successor Chapters]]) inherited some traits associated with their specific Primarch.^{1 pg6}{{Fn|1a}}

The events of the [[Horus Heresy]] revealed weaknesses in some Legions' gene-seed, in . In some cases these defects had been heightened by the accelerated cultivation techniques used to keep the Legions at full strength. After the Heresy and the break-up of the original Legions, genetic banks were established on Earth [[Terra]] to produce and store Space Marine gene-seed. These banks were to provide all genetic material for new Space Marine Chapters. To prevent cross-contamination of these genetic stocks, the gene-seed of each of the individual Legions was isolated, so all new Space Marines would recieve receive gene-seed soley solely from one specific source.^{1 pg9}{{Fn|1b}}

The gene-seed of the [[Traitor Legions]] was placed under a time-locked stasis seal (rather than being destroyed as many at the time assumed had happened).^{1 pg9}{{Fn|1b}}

After the Heresy, the Space Marine Legions were divided into smaller Chapters. The genetic materials of some Chapters were considered more pure than others and thus, at the time of the [[41st milleniumMillennium]], over half of the thousand known Chapters are descended from Ultramarine [[Ultramarines]] genetic stock, either directly or through one of their [[Second Founding|Primogenitor]] Chapters.^{1 pg10}{{Fn|1c}}

A Marine's gene-seed may be rendered useless by exposure to high levels of radiation. Also, also over time a Chapter's gene-seed may also change through genetic mutations, so that specific implants become corrupted, producing new effects in Marines, or becoming useless altogether. A corruption in the chapter's genetic material can lead to the chapter's extinction. This is why gene-seed must be constantly monitored for mutations. Each Chapter is obliged to send 5% of its genetic material to the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]]. The first purpose for this is that it enables the Adeptus Mechanicus to monitor the health of each Marine Chapter. Secondly, it enables the Adeptus Mechanicus to store gene-seed with a view to founding new Chapters.{{Cite This}}

The [[Grey Knights]] are unusual in that the source of their gene-seed is unknown.{{Cite This}}

The [[Twenty First Founding]] (also known as the '''''Cursed Founding''''') is notable in that its focus was in perfecting and removing deficiencies in flawed gene-seed. Unfortunately many of the Chapters created at this time have developed genetic idiosyncrasies, mutations that strain the tolerance of the [[Inquisition]] and threaten these Chapters' survival.^{{Fn|2}}

''See main article: [[Creation of a Space Marine]]''. The gene-seed of a Chapter is a precious resource, so it is only given to the most worthy of candidates. Each Chapter has its own traditions and procedures for the selection of recruits, but all are subjected to rigorous testing and genetic screening before the process begins.^{3 pg10}{{Fn|3a}}

During the later stages of the implantation process, a recruit will often serve as a [[Space Marine Scout]].^{3 pg11}{{Fn|3b}}

Reproduction of gene-seed is possible through the Progenoid glands - an implant whose sole purpose is the replication of gene-seed. A mature gland can be removed by an [[Apothecary]] and new organs artificially cultured from them. This is the only source for new implants, so a Chapter depends on its Marines to create other Marines. In the battle-mysticism of the Astartes, the gene-seed is regarded spiritually - though a fallen Marine's body is dead, he lives on as gene-seed which returns to the Chapter.{{Cite This}}

Apothecaries remove Progenoids after they have matured or if a Marine has died in combat.{{Cite This}}

{{Main|Creation of a Space Marine}}There are 19 nineteen implanted organs - some of which only work properly (or at all) in the presence of other implants, therefore . Therefore the removal, mutation or failure of one organ can affect the precise functioning of the others. Because of this, and the fact that each Chapter's gene-seed belongs to that Chapter alone, different Chapters display different characteristics and use different sets of implants and methods of implantation. Throughout the implantation process the Marine must undergo various forms of conditioning in order for the implanted organs to develop and become part of his physiology.⁴ ===Secondary Heart===The simplest and most self-sufficient of implants allows a Space Marine to survive his other heart being damaged or destroyed, and to survive in low oxygen environments. Not just a back-up, the secondary heart can boost the blood-flow around the Marine's body.⁴ ===Ossmodula===A small, complex, tubular organ, the ossmodula secretes hormones that both affect the ossification of the skeleton and encourages the forming bone growths to absorb ceramic-based chemicals that are laced into the Marine's diet.¹ This drastically alters the way a Space Marine's bones grow and develop. Two years after this implant is first put in the subject's long bones will have increased in size and strength (along with most other bones), and the rib cage will have been fused into a solid mass of bulletproof, interlocking plates.⁴ ===Biscopea===This small, circular organ is inserted into the chest cavity and releases hormones that vastly increase muscle growth throughout the marine's body. It also serves to form the hormonal basis for many of the later implants.⁴ ===Haemastamen===Implanted into the main circulatory system, this tiny implant not only increases the haemoglobin content of the subjects blood, making it more efficient at carrying oxygen around the body and making the subject's blood a bright red, it also serves to monitor and control the actions of the previous two implants.⁴ ===Larraman's Organ===A liver-shaped organ about the size of a golf-ball, this implant is placed within the chest cavity and connected to the circulatory system. It generates and controls 'Larraman cells' which are released into the blood stream if the recipient is wounded. They attach themselves to leucocytes in the blood and are carried to the site of the wound, where upon contact with air they form a near instant patch of scar tissue, sealing any wounds the Space Marine may suffer.⁴ ===Catalepsean Node=== Implanted into the back of the brain, this pea-sized organ influences the circadian rhythms of sleep and the body's response to sleep deprivation. If deprived of sleep, the catalepsean node cuts in. The node allows a Marine to sleep and remain awake at the same time by switching off areas of his brain sequentially. This process cannot replace sleep entirely, but increases the Marines survivability by allowing perception of the environment while resting⁴. This means that a Space Marine needs no more than 4 hours of sleep a day, and can potentially go for 2 weeks without any sleep at all. ===Preomnor=== This is essentially a pre-stomach that can neutralise otherwise poisonous or indigestible foods. No actual digestion takes place in the preomnor, as it acts as a decontamination chamber placed before the natural stomach in the body's system and can be isolated from the rest of the digestive tract in order to contain particularly troublesome intake.⁴ ===Omophagea=== This implant allows a Space Marine to 'learn by eating'. It is situated in the spinal cord but is actually part of the brain. Four nerve bundles are implanted connecting the spine and the stomach wall. Able to 'read' or absorb genetic material consumed by the marine, the omophagea transmits the gained information to the Marine's brain as a set of memories or experiences. It is the presence of this organ which has led to the various flesh-eating and blood-drinking rituals for which the Astartes are famous, as well as giving names to chapters such as the [[Blood Drinkers]] and [[Flesh Tearers]]. Over time, mutations in this implant have given some chapters unnatural craving for blood or flesh.⁴ ===Multi-lung===This additional lung activates when a Space Marine needs to breathe in low-oxygen or poisoned atmospheres, and even water. The natural lungs are closed off by a sphincter muscle associated with the multi-lung and the implanted organ takes over breathing operations. It has highly efficient toxin dispersal systems.⁴ ===Occulobe===This implant sits at the base of the brain, and provides hormonal and genetic stimuli which enable a Marine's eyes to respond to optic-therapy. This in turn allows the Apothecaries to make adjustments to the growth patterns of the eye and the light-receptive retinal cells - the result being that Space Marines have far superior vision to normal humans, and can see in low-light conditions almost as well as in daylight.⁴ ===Lyman's Ear===Not only does this implant make a Space Marine immune from dizziness or motion sickness but also allows Space Marines to consciously filter out and enhance certain sounds. The Lyman's Ear completely replaces a Marine's original ear. It is externally indistinguishable from a normal human ear.⁴ ===Sus-an Membrane===Initially implanted above the brain, this membrane eventually merges with the recipient's entire brain. Ineffective without follow-up chemical therapy and training, but with sufficient training a Space Marine can use this implant to enter a state of suspended animation, consciously or as an automatic reaction to extreme trauma, keeping the Marine alive for years, even if he has suffered otherwise mortal wounds. Only the appropriate chemical therapy or auto-suggestion can revive a Marine from this state. The longest recorded period spent in suspended animation was undertaken by Brother Silas Err of the Dark Angels, who was revived after 567 years.⁴  ===Melanchromic Organ===This implant controls the amount of melanin in a Marine's skin. Exposure to high levels of sunlight will result in the Marine's skin darkening to compensate. It also protects the Marine from other forms of radiation.⁴ ===Oolitic Kidney===In conjunction with the secondary heart this implant allows a Space Marine to filter his blood very quickly, rendering him immune to most poisons. This action comes at a price, however, as this emergency detoxification usually renders the Marine unconscious while his blood is circulated at high speed. The organ's everyday function is to monitor the entire circulatory system and allow other organs to function effectively.⁴ ===Neuroglottis===This enhances a Space Marine's sense of taste to such a high degree that he can identify many common chemicals by taste alone. A Marine can even track down his target by taste.⁴ ===Mucranoid===This implant allows a Space Marine to sweat a substance that coats the skin and offers resistance to extreme heat and cold and can even provide some protection for the marine in a vacuum. This can only be activated by outside treatment, and is common when Space Marines are expected to be fighting in vacuum.⁴ ===Betcher's Gland===Consists of two identical glands, implanted either into the lower lip, alongside the salivary glands or into the hard palette. The gland works in a similar way to the poison gland of venomous reptiles by synthesizing and storing deadly poison, which the Marines themselves are immune to due to the gland's presence. This allows a Space Marine to spit a blinding contact poison. The poison is also corrosive and can even burn away strong metals given sufficient time.⁴ ===Progenoids===There are two of these glands, one situated in the neck and the other within the chest cavity. These glands are vitally important and represent the future of the Chapter, as the only way new gene-seed can be produced is by reproducing it within the bodies of the Marines themselves. This is the implant's only purpose. The glands absorb genetic material from the other implanted organs. When they have matured each gland will have developed a single gene-seed corresponding to each of the zygotes which have been implanted into the Marine. These take time (5 years in the first case, 10 in the latter) to mature into gene-seed. The gene-seed can then be extracted and used to create more Space Marines.⁴ ===Black Carapace===The most distinctive implant, it resembles a film of black plastic that is implanted directly beneath the skin of the Marine's torso in sheets. It hardens on the outside and sends invasive neural bundles into the Marine's body. After the organ has matured the recipient is then fitted with neural sensors and interface points cut into the carapace's surface. This allows a Space Marine to interface directly with his [[Power Armour]].^{{Fn|4}}

*[[Blood Angels]]: The [[Black Rage ]] and the [[Red Thirst]], sometimes known collectively as '''The Flaw'''.*[[Imperial Fists]]: Missing [[Betcher's Gland ]] and [[Sus-an Membrane. ]]*[[Space Wolves]]: Enlarged canine teeth and [[Mark of the [[Wulfen]] (''see also'' [[Canis Helix]]). *[[Raven Guard]]: Missing [[Mucranoid ]] and [[Betcher's Gland]]. Pale skin, dark eyes. *[[Blood Ravens]]: Can't Eidetic memory and inability to experience R.E.M. sleep and have perfect recall.*[[Salamanders]]: Onyx -black skin, bright red eyes. (Malfunctioning caused by a malfunctioning [[Malenochrome ]] gland) {{Fn|5}}*[[Blood Drinkers]]: Having Thirst for blood-, expressed in both drinking rituals and suffer a literal blood-lust, due to a mutationin combat.*[[Black Dragons]]: Bony mutation of the forehead, elbows and forearms caused by a malfunctioning [[Ossmodula ]] zygote.*[[Excoriators]]: [[The Darkness]]{{Fn|6}}

The renegade Legions and Chapters maintain the process of gene-seed implantation and harvesting, allowing new recruits to be turned into Marines. The specifics of the renegade Marines' methods are unclear, but it is known that [[Fabius Bile]] provides recruits for some traitors in return for slaves and other resources.{{Cite This}} Nearly all of the Traitor Legions' gene-seed suffers from some kind of instability, though it is debated in the Imperium whether this is caused by some inherent "rot" that was present before the [[Horus Heresy]], or simply the result of constant exposure to the [[warp]] inside the [[Eye of Terror]]. Whatever the cause, this instability hampers the [[Chaos Space Marines]]' ability to create new Marines.{{Cite This}}

==See also==*For this reason, the Traitor Legions will sometimes raid the strongholds of [[Creation of a Space MarineImperial]]chapters to steal stable gene-seed, which is a prized resource within the Eye.{{Fn|7}}