Gene Key
From Transformers Wiki
"The Decepticons are full of guys like Starscream, Blot, Headstrong, Tantrum, Starscream, Menasor, Triggerhappy, Misfire, Starscream..."
The Gene Key is a device that rewrites the CNA of Cybertronians. It's basically one of these, but shaped like an antique Earth key.
Fiction
Regeneration One
"...You've made your point."
"...Apeface, Snapdragon, Brawl, Breakdown, Macabre..."
Scorponok created the Gene Key on Nebulos, where he first tested its capability to modify the "warrior gene" on the restored Autobot Headmasters. He enlisted Grimlock's help to put his invention to use, with the offer of a new, Nucleon-free body. Natural Selection, Part One He then took his invention to Cybertron, to wreak havoc on the Autobot forces there. Grimlock was sent ahead with the purpose of using the Key on Perceptor. Natural Selection, Part Two Scorponok was surprised to discover that it did not work on everybody. Natural Selection, Part Three Scorponok put Perceptor to work constructing a giant version of the Key at the Sonic Canyons, where the canyons' resonant properties would allow the Key's signal to propagate across Cybertron, rewriting the CNA of every Autobot on the planet. Natural Selection, Part Four
Scorponok was stunned to discover that Grimlock had not actually used the Gene Key given to him on Perceptor, setting the scientist up as the Autobot's "inside man" instead. Perceptor had used his position to antagonize Scorponok by countering the Decepticon's theories and staging delays, and modified the giant Gene Key to restore the individually-reprogrammed Autobots instead. Natural Selection, Part Five
