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Okay, I know we already have several threads on the G-Virus and all, but I figured I'd do a little examination on it myself.

As you all know, the G-Virus was discovered in the Year 2004 of the Common Era by researchers for Johnny K. Gambino's Biochemistry Company, G-Corp. The Virus is actually a heavily modified version of a Virus found naturally in one of the storage tanks of the Durem Reclamation Facility.

Unlike most Viruses, which primarily infect and destroy cells in order to reproduce. The G-Virus functions more as a mutagen.

In Scientific terms, the G-Virus is a Retrovirus, belonging to the family Retroviridae. A Retrovirus uses RNA as it's primary Geneitic material, which can undergo a process known as Reverse Transcription to make a strand of DNA, which is inserted into the hosts Genome.
The G-Virus is unique in that it is a "Smart Virus". When a "Pure" strain of G-Virus is introduced to a sample of genetic material, it enters a sort of modified Lytic cycle. Instead of simply reproducing itself, it transcribes and adds the Host Cells Genetic code to it's own, before continuing the Lytic cycle and bursting out of the cell as normal. The Virus also modifies it's genetic code so that the "Weaker" qualities are not expressed.
When the offspring of the new virus pass into a new host cell, the Virus enters the Lysogenic cycle in a majority of the cells. Rather than simply reproducing, it Reverse transcribes and introduces it's new genetic code to the host cell, while shutting off the weaker qualities of the host cell. This results in a sort of hybridized host cell, only expressing the stronger qualities of the previous cells.

If a Pure strain is injected into a person, with no additional Genetic code present, it simply "shuts off" the weaker qualities using the same methods as above. But if a virus created from a "pure" infection enters a new host, it will function the same as before.

This can have some interesting side effects as well, including Reanimation, Resurrection, or even having your genetic code modified to the point where you become a Parasite.

Now, presumably the G-Virus was also used in the Red Bino Energy Drink, which would allow those who drank it to assume Gaian Form. This would also require Gaian Genetic Code to be present in the virus. (Ewww...)

Another curious thing is that the Zurgian Assimilation Formula (Zurg Energy Drink) acts in a similar way as the G-virus, possibly hinting at an Extra-terrestrial origin. (The Virus may be found naturally in space, and landed on Gaia via a meteor, or it may have been planted (not necessarily by the Zurg) , depending on what theory you believe.

One last thing, depending on what was infected previously, the G-Virus may possibly allow some curious traits to be bestowed on people. Allow me to explain.

Suppose Bat DNA was mixed with a pure strain of the Virus, then introduced to a dead body. The G-Virus would possibly be able to revive the body (Zombification, or possibly resurrection, depending on the circumstances.) but it would also bestow Bat-like Characteristics upon the subject, resulting in something looking very much like Vamprism.
Similar effects could be applied to infections that were similar to Lycanthropy, or other effects.

In a nutshell,
A) The G-Virus may have Extra-Terrestrial Origins, and
B) If the Virus Functions the way I think it does, it would not be in the realm of the impossible for it to creatures such as Vampires or Werewolves. It could also mean that it would be quite possible for the Von Helsons to be revived as Vampires, even if Vamprism does not exist in their bloodline.

Okay, I'm done, I was mostly just typing this up for fun. What do you think of it?

3nodding heart Yes, I would have classified the virus the exact same way. (Retroviruses are so freaking cool. ...For viruses anyway) Plus that way it does explain possible future alterations to the strains to include the vampires, lycans etc etc. Very nice!

Well, the Zurg Energy Drink existed Prior to Gambino and Mother even meeting.

However, it is possible the Zurg did receive the G-Virus for use on Flarn.

Who would have thought I'd use my skills from Biology class on Gaia? XD

It would take some Plot Gymnastics (which are much more difficult then the basic Plot Aerobics) to get the Von Helsons Back. It's not entirely impossible, as no one has really proven if their bodies were destroyed, just that they were dead. Though, like I said, Plot Gymnastics would be required. I'm also not arguing that the Gaian Strain of the G-Virus (The one created by G-Corp) wasn't given to Mother. It had to have been to revive Flarn the way he is now. I was saying it was possible that the original Unmodified version of the virus (without it's unique Properties) could exist in places other than Gaia, and that the Assimilation Formula Z (as I'll call it because it sounds cool) could have been created from said Virus independently (or from a similar one. It is possible for two independent societies to develop similar technology without any interference) , later to be modified by introduction of the G-Virus, resulting in a "Z' Strain of the G-Virus.
Or not, this is just a theory after all.

Which considering how long and hard they apparently worked on this Virus, that could be completely possible. If the traits were of a certain gene family, then they could all be chemically tagged, and the host's cell machinary could supress and even destroy these unwanted traits.

Usually, I don't read posts that long.
=O
I thoroughly enjoyed it though.
=3
It's really nice to see an explanation like this.
I also love the connection to the rumoured vampires.