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'''''Doctor Who Incarnations'''''
'''Regeneration''' is a biological ability exhibited by the Gallifreyan Time Lords, a race of humanoids originating on the planet Gallifrey. This process allows a Time Lord who has become too old or mortally wounded to undergo a transformation into a new physical form and a somewhat different personality.


'''First Doctor:''' The First Doctor was a sometimes cantankerous, sometimes benevolent, sometimes doddering grandfather figure. He was very much an enigma as well: in the early years of ''Doctor Who'', practically nothing was known about the Doctor's past, and in true anti-heroic form, his actions often were selfishly motivated. Unlike his successors, the First Doctor was as reliant upon his companions as they were upon him -- usually it was Ian or Steven who saved the day. Nonetheless, the First Doctor possessed an aura of power and intelligence which was impossible to ignore.
==Genetic background==
Gallifreyan's have a Triple Helix DNA, comprising of 69 chromosomes divided into 23 homogeneous triads. Humans, by comparison, only have 46 chromosomes divided among 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes.


'''Second Doctor:''' The Second Doctor was a complete change of pace from his predecessor. Whimsical, buffoonish, witty -- all of these were characteristics of the Doctor as portrayed by Patrick Troughton. The Doctor was no longer a grandfather figure, but rather more of a favourite uncle. Indeed, the slow transition of Hartnell's Doctor from a reluctant travelling companion to a more kindly compatriot was completed here, as the Second Doctor very much enjoyed embroiling himself in adventures with his assistants. Despite this Doctor's almost childlike recklessness, it was always clear to his allies that a keen, deliberate intellect lurked behind every action. Although the Second Doctor frequently gave the impression that he never knew what he was doing, this was simply an affectation: an act put on to fool those who would underestimate him.
The extra third strand of Gallifreyan DNA was added by Rassilon to make Regeneration possible, and was created to extend the already amazing Gallifreyan lifespan. This strand stores the regenerative information within a Gallifreyan's Bioplasmic Field that surrounds their bodies. During regeneration this information is conveyed to permanently carried self-replicated biogenic molecules, which permeate a Time Lord body, via a bio-language called Nucleolingua Symbiotica.


'''Third Doctor:''' Whereas the first two Doctors generally insinuated themselves into events discreetly, the Third Doctor was a man of action, aggressively joining the fray whenever he could. This was a Doctor was unafraid to pitch in with his physical skills, often bringing his mastery of Venusian aikido into play when the situation called for it. But much like his predecessors, his keen mind was still his primary asset, and this was a Doctor who particularly loved to create and play with gadgets of all sorts. This passion displayed itself both in terms of the Third Doctor's scientific bent and in his love of vehicles, such as his yellow roadster Bessie and his ultramodern hovercraft, the so-called Whomobile. Staunchly moral to the point of being preachy, the Third Doctor was every bit the gentleman, a hero of the Victorian mould.
==Mechanism==
Time Lord bodies are filled with self-replicating biogenic molecules. These biogenic molecules work ceaselessly to repair and prune damaged and malformed cells, thus giving a Time Lord amazing recuperative powers. Because of this it takes hundreds of years for a Time Lord to show signs of aging.


'''Fourth Doctor:''' There was a clear desire in the characterisation of the Fourth Doctor that this incarnation of the Time Lord should emphasise his alienness, the fact that -- despite all outward appearances -- he is most definitely not human. In stark contrast to the elegant, refined figure of his third incarnation, the Fourth Doctor was an unkempt, awkward-looking figure, dressed in battered clothing and an impossibly long multi-coloured scarf. This Doctor delighted in keeping both friends and foes alike off guard with oddball humour and curious pranks; like the Second Doctor, he often played the fool to lull his opponents into underestimating him. But he was also a very intense, brooding individual, at times displaying a seriousness and fury belying his usually whimsical attitude.
===Biogenic molecules===
The biogenic molecules are similar to symbiotic nuclei and gives Time Lords a symbiotic self-renewing cell structure. Their bodies will dispose of foreign objects and implants fairly quickly. By "retreating" into a healing trance most injuries (such as burns and diseases) can be healed in a day, although repairing broken bones or psychic trauma often takes considerably longer. While in the healing trance, the Gallifreyan will appear dead to most humanoids, but Gallifreyans can tell they're alive. Their body temperature will drop so low that frost sometimes even forms on the body. While extreme pain will automatically induce a healing trance some training is required to enter one voluntarily. They can also selectively regenerate specific organs while in the trance.


'''Fifth Doctor:''' The Fifth Doctor was far more human in his demeanour than any of his previous regenerations. This was not a Doctor who was prone to peculiar mannerisms -- instead, he often behaved just like a regular man, even in his less paternal, more turbulent and argumentative relationship with his companions. Enthusiastic and spritely, this Doctor demonstrated a notably more fallible outlook than in the past: he could make mistakes, and sometimes the cost of these errors was very high indeed. The years were beginning to tell upon the Fifth Doctor, as they had during the latter days of his fourth incarnation; he was being who had seen and endured much, both good and bad. Despite his boyish appearance, there could be little doubt that, at his core, the Fifth Doctor was a very old man.
===Process===
Regeneration itself is "triggered" by the release of the hormone Lindos from a Time Lords Limbic Gland (automatically in response to a near-death crisis or when the body wears out), which instructs the biogenic molecules to rebuild the body and restructure the biodata of the subject cell by cell at the molecular level, using the information contained in the Bioplasmic Field. Through Regeneration, the cells of a Time Lord's body are repaired, restored and reorganized. This "genetic reshuffling" will result in a wholly new physical appearance.  


'''Sixth Doctor:''' The Sixth Doctor was unpredictable in every sense of the word. Arrogant and self-absorbed, stubborn and childish, argumentative and tasteless, he could often be seen as unlikeable or even loathesome. This was a Doctor who did not suffer fools gladly; he sometimes seemed to endure his companion's presence far more than he actually appreciated it, and held himself as superior to almost anyone he encountered. But the new incarnation's brash exterior hid the fact that this was a Doctor more determined than ever to defeat the evil he encountered. He was possessed of a tenacity and a thirst to do what was right that was far more visible than ever before. Despite his often unstable demeanour, he was always quick to act when the situation called for it, and very little -- even his companions -- could hope to get in his way.
To a lesser degree, even the brain cells will similarly be rearranged, causing the brain chemistry and synaptic organization to change. Because of the new balance of hormones, neurotransmitters and neural arrangements in their brain, there is a marked alteration in the Time Lord's collection of emotional, thought and behavioral patterns. So while a regenerated Time Lord will still have the same memories and core moral values as they did pre-Regeneration, there is a moderate to significant change in personality along with the physical.


'''Seventh Doctor:''' No incarnation of the Doctor has seen his personality develop so much, so quickly as the Seventh Doctor. Originally, the new Doctor was portrayed as something of a clown -- tripping over himself, spouting tangled cliches, and apparently saving the day more by accident than by design. He was a congenial figure almost reminiscent of the prototypical village idiot in behaviour, although his vast intelligence was still manifest. As time went on, the Seventh Doctor darkened considerably as hints were unveiled that there was far more to his past -- and to himself -- than had previously been made known. The Seventh Doctor began meeting his foes on his own terms, manipulating them like pieces on a chess board. He became more of an aggressor than any of his previous incarnations, and even his companions were not safe from the tangles of the webs he wove. The results were often more devastating and more decisive than ever before.
At the first Regeneration the biogenic molecules are programmed to build into the new body a number of improvements and backup systems including a second heart and other ancillary systems.


'''Eighth Doctor:''' The Eighth Doctor behaved in a more human manner than his predecessors, perhaps tying in to the revelation that he was half-human; this was most clearly seen in his willingness to entertain romantic notions with Grace Holloway, albeit in an innocent, almost childlike manner. Like the Fifth Doctor, he exhibited an endearing vulnerability, but this wass contrasted by a sense of urgency and decisiveness. He also demonstrated a flippant sense of humour reminiscent of, though not identical to, the Second and Fourth Doctors.
==Limits==
It is very dangerous for Gallifreyans who haven't passed First Maturation (i.e. teenagers) to regenerate. For this reason it is usually forbidden for Gallifreyans to regenerate until they become a Time Lord or are 500 years old.


'''Ninth Doctor:''' The Ninth Doctor was a study in contrasts. On the one hand, this Doctor shared many characteristics with his predecessors. One moment he was full of manic energy and a sharp, offbeat wit; the next he was removed and reserved, keenly aware of the divide between himself and the humans he encountered. But the Time War of which the Ninth Doctor was the sole survivor clearly affected him deeply indeed. This was a sadder and angrier Doctor, the weight of his having seemingly destroyed both the Time Lords and the Daleks preying upon him greatly. But consequently, this was also a Doctor who harboured a new appreciation for the wonders of the universe -- and who, more keenly than ever, burned with a desire to keep the universe safe from harm.
After 12 regenerations the biogenic molecules begin to decay naturally. Gallifreyans are limited to 13 bodies because their minds and bodies can only withstand the strain of twelve regenerations.
 
'''Tenth Doctor:''' The Tenth Doctor is a study in contrasts. He's charismatic and slightly manic, possessing a disarming sense of humour borne of his seemingly boundless energy. He's also staunchly heroic, leaping into the fray like a slightly demented Errol Flynn. But there is an undeniable shadow cast over the jollity of the Tenth Doctor. He is not a man to be crossed heedlessly; when driven to anger, he will act without hesitation to strike down those who oppose him. His ruthlessness, bordering on arrogance, is almost eerie to behold. Beneath his youthful veneer, the Tenth Doctor is a very old man who has seen many terrible things; and in some matters, his patience has worn out.

Revision as of 16:20, 25 December 2007

Regeneration is a biological ability exhibited by the Gallifreyan Time Lords, a race of humanoids originating on the planet Gallifrey. This process allows a Time Lord who has become too old or mortally wounded to undergo a transformation into a new physical form and a somewhat different personality.

Genetic background

Gallifreyan's have a Triple Helix DNA, comprising of 69 chromosomes divided into 23 homogeneous triads. Humans, by comparison, only have 46 chromosomes divided among 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes.

The extra third strand of Gallifreyan DNA was added by Rassilon to make Regeneration possible, and was created to extend the already amazing Gallifreyan lifespan. This strand stores the regenerative information within a Gallifreyan's Bioplasmic Field that surrounds their bodies. During regeneration this information is conveyed to permanently carried self-replicated biogenic molecules, which permeate a Time Lord body, via a bio-language called Nucleolingua Symbiotica.

Mechanism

Time Lord bodies are filled with self-replicating biogenic molecules. These biogenic molecules work ceaselessly to repair and prune damaged and malformed cells, thus giving a Time Lord amazing recuperative powers. Because of this it takes hundreds of years for a Time Lord to show signs of aging.

Biogenic molecules

The biogenic molecules are similar to symbiotic nuclei and gives Time Lords a symbiotic self-renewing cell structure. Their bodies will dispose of foreign objects and implants fairly quickly. By "retreating" into a healing trance most injuries (such as burns and diseases) can be healed in a day, although repairing broken bones or psychic trauma often takes considerably longer. While in the healing trance, the Gallifreyan will appear dead to most humanoids, but Gallifreyans can tell they're alive. Their body temperature will drop so low that frost sometimes even forms on the body. While extreme pain will automatically induce a healing trance some training is required to enter one voluntarily. They can also selectively regenerate specific organs while in the trance.

Process

Regeneration itself is "triggered" by the release of the hormone Lindos from a Time Lords Limbic Gland (automatically in response to a near-death crisis or when the body wears out), which instructs the biogenic molecules to rebuild the body and restructure the biodata of the subject cell by cell at the molecular level, using the information contained in the Bioplasmic Field. Through Regeneration, the cells of a Time Lord's body are repaired, restored and reorganized. This "genetic reshuffling" will result in a wholly new physical appearance.

To a lesser degree, even the brain cells will similarly be rearranged, causing the brain chemistry and synaptic organization to change. Because of the new balance of hormones, neurotransmitters and neural arrangements in their brain, there is a marked alteration in the Time Lord's collection of emotional, thought and behavioral patterns. So while a regenerated Time Lord will still have the same memories and core moral values as they did pre-Regeneration, there is a moderate to significant change in personality along with the physical.

At the first Regeneration the biogenic molecules are programmed to build into the new body a number of improvements and backup systems including a second heart and other ancillary systems.

Limits

It is very dangerous for Gallifreyans who haven't passed First Maturation (i.e. teenagers) to regenerate. For this reason it is usually forbidden for Gallifreyans to regenerate until they become a Time Lord or are 500 years old.

After 12 regenerations the biogenic molecules begin to decay naturally. Gallifreyans are limited to 13 bodies because their minds and bodies can only withstand the strain of twelve regenerations.

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