| abstract
| - A morphogenic matrix was the cellular and quantum structure of a Changeling which allowed them to assume various shapes, sizes, weights, and forms. Although capable of shape-shifting in almost any temperature, a Changeling's morphogenic matrix was most malleable at temperatures of 17 °Celsius. This determination was arrived at by Dr. Mora Pol after weeks of studying the shape-shifting abilities of Odo. (DS9: "The Begotten") A Changeling's morphogenic matrix could be destabilized through exposure to polaron radiation, forcing a Changeling to revert to his natural, gelatinous state. In 2373, Federation officers from Deep Space 9 attempted to use polaron radiation on a Changeling whom they believed was impersonating Klingon Chancellor Gowron. (DS9: "Apocalypse Rising") When an infant Changeling was discovered later that year, Dr. Julian Bashir determined that the baby Changeling had been subjected to tetryon radiation. After purging the radioactive isotopes, Bashir noted that the infant's morphogenic matrix still had a small degree of instability. The infant ultimately died when its morphogenic matrix destabilized. (DS9: "The Begotten") Upon encountering another Changling named Laas in 2375, a medical scan by Bashir revealed that Laas' morphogenic matrix had not been infected with the morphogenic virus which had infected the rest of the Great Link. (DS9: "Chimera") In 2375, Bashir "borrowed" a sample of Odo in order to study the Changeling's morphogenic matrix in an attempt to synthesize organic tissue with the ability to change form. It was during the study of the matrix that Bashir learned that Odo had been infected with the same morphogenic disease that was affecting the rest of his people. (DS9: "When It Rains...") The writers of the show intentionally left the mechanism Changelings use to alter their mass unaddressed, since they didn't have a satisfactory answer. They did have behind-the-scenes theories, though. Robert Hewitt Wolfe proposed that Changelings could store parts of their mass in a subspace "pocket." (AOL chat, 1997 ) According to the script for "The Begotten", morphogenic was pronounced as "MORE-foe-jen-ick". [1]
- The morphogenic matrix is the structure of the Changelings which enables them to change their shape. The morphogenic virus which Section 31 infected the Great Link made a Changelings' morphogenic matrix unstable and often led to them being unable to hold humanoid forms. (DS9 episode: "Chimera") In 2373, the infant Changeling that Quark gave to Odo had had its morphogenic matrix damaged by exposure to tetryon radiation from the Badlands artificial quantum singularity. It died several weeks later, but gave Odo back his Changeling abilities. (DS9 episode: "The Begotten", DS9 novel: The Badlands, Part IV) In 2375, Julian Bashir scanned a sample given by Odo to see if by studying his morphogenic matrix he could synthesize organic tissue that can change forms. (DS9 episode: "When It Rains...") After Bashir cured Odo of the Changeling disease, Odo's morphogenic matrix needed time to heal. (DS9 episode: "Extreme Measures") Several days later, the crew of the USS Defiant were unable to transport the Female Changeling aboard from Dominion Headquarters on Cardassia as her morphogenic matrix had become too unstable. (DS9 novelization: What You Leave Behind) Due to a Changeling's morphogenic matrix having no cellular structure in its natural state, Borg nanoprobes have no effect. In 2376, Thirishar ch'Thane, after witnessing such an event, commented that it "was as if the nanoprobes were trying to assimilate a body of water". (DS9 novel: Lesser Evil)
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