Codon Stream

The Codon Stream is a DNA Database for all sentient beings containing 1,000,910 DNA samples. The 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 completed Omnitrix does not rely on the Codon Stream for transformations.

Description
The Codon Stream is a system of rivers of "green lava" that are spread throughout Primus. The stream originates in a volcano, which is actually the processing plant for the DNA of the stream. There are no non-sapient/sentient species DNA in the Codon Stream. Originally, there was thought to be 10,000 DNA samples in the Codon Stream (as hinted from the episode Ben 10,000). But Azmuth has revealed that there are samples from every sapient species of every world in the Milky Way Galaxy: over 1,000,000. According to Dwayne McDuffie, some of these samples include 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.

Ghostfreak was re-added to the Codon Stream after being removed from it in Ghost Town, 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 named Bivalvan, Galapagus, P'andor, Andreas and Ra'ad, resulting in a total of 1,000,910 samples.

Connection to the Prototype Omnitrix/Ultimatrix
The river is actually the key to the primary feature of the Prototype Omnitrix, and Ultimatrix in that both are actually wireless receivers connected to the Codon Stream, allowing them to alter the DNA of their wearer.

When the Omnitrix in question is activated, it opens up a holographic display of all aliens unlocked. When the faceplate is pushed back into place, it emits 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.

Trivia

 * Codon is a basic unit of genetic code.
 * The Codon Stream experienced problems with its Arachnichimp DNA sample in Simian Says.
 * The Codon Stream and Primus no longer exist in Omniverse.