Changes

A Marine's gene-seed may be rendered useless by exposure to high levels of radiation. Also, over time a Chapter's gene-seed may 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 [[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}}