Codon Stream

The Codon Stream was a DNA Database for all sapient beings containing 1,000,911 DNA samples. The Codon Stream was created by Azmuth. He used it to link transformations to the prototype Omnitrix, and Ultimatrix rather than store each sample in separate containers like the Unitrix. Unlike the previous models, the Omnitrix does not rely on the Codon Stream for transformations.

Description
The Codon Stream was a system of rivers of "green lava" that are spread throughout Primus. The Codon Stream originated in a volcano, which was actually the processing plant for the DNA of the stream.

There were no non-sapient species DNA in the Codon Stream.

Originally, there were thought to be 10,000 DNA samples in the Codon Stream (as hinted in Ben 10,000), but Azmuth has revealed that there are samples from every sapient species of every planet in the Milky Way Galaxy: over 1,000,000. According to Dwayne McDuffie, some of these samples included Osmosian DNA, Pierce's alien half DNA and Human DNA.

In War of the Worlds: Part 1, the Omnitrix stated there were exactly 1,000,903 DNA samples in the Codon Stream at the time.

In Ghost Town, Ghostfreak was re-added to the Codon Stream after being removed from it prior to Alien Force, which made 1,000,904 DNA samples.

In Ben 10: Alien Swarm, Ben gained the form of Nanomech from the Hive, which made 1,000,905 DNA samples.

In Ultimate Alien, Ben obtained the DNA samples of five aliens from the Andromeda Galaxy, providing him with Water Hazard, Terraspin, NRG, Armodrillo and AmpFibian, resulting in a total of 1,000,910 samples.

Connection to the Original Omnitrix/Ultimatrix
The Codon Stream was the key to the primary feature of the original Omnitrix and the Ultimatrix in that both were wireless receivers connected to the Codon Stream, allowing them to alter the DNA of their wearer.

When the Omnitrix in question was activated, it opened up a holographic display of all aliens unlocked. When the faceplate was pushed back into place, it emitted a signal that is picked up by the volcano on Primus, then sent throughout the Codon Stream and back to the Omnitrix, with the selected alien's DNA attached. The selected DNA is then merged with the wearer's DNA, transforming the user into the selected alien.

The connection between the Omnitrix and Ultimatrix and the Codon Stream seems to be remarkably strong, able to traverse dimensions; Ben was able to transform while in the Null Void, outside of the universe in the Forge of Creation, and in a parallel universe (Rex's World).

Trivia

 * According to Derrick J. Wyatt, Primus and the Codon Stream were erased from continuity in Omniverse by the Anihilaarg.
 * According to Matt Wayne, this is not definite until it's addressed in the series.
 * Codon is a basic unit of genetic code.
 * The Codon Stream experienced problems with its Arachnichimp DNA sample in Simian Says.