Theory:Catalyst

Main Article Theories about Catalyst Main Discussion

The following fan theories are about Catalyst.

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Theories

Theory	Citations	Notes
The catalyst is only needed if the DNA of a person is not capable of supporting the ability genes.	None.	+ Nathan was said to be a synthetic evolved human, but because of his lineage, he could support the change and may not of needed the catalyst. - There's nothing that suggests that the formula used on Nathan lacked the catalyst.
The catalyst is a form of the healing ability which can cure the genetic abnormalities caused by giving the formula to a normal person with no family history.	None.	• Mohinder mutated into a monster without the catalyst. + Since Arthur was able to remove the catalyst from Hiro along with his ability, it could be an ability. • It could be something that acts like an ability, without being an ability.
The catalyst was created through an as of yet unseen ability belonging to one of the twelve, possibly Victoria Pratt.	None.	+ Victoria Pratt was able to create (presumably) at least 138 different strains of the Shanti Virus, and it is heavily implied that as one of the twelve, she has an ability. Biological manipulation could account for how she was able to manage this, as well as how she could create a catalyst to perfect the formula. • That doesn't explain how the catalyst passed to Ishi. + It could an aspect of the unseen ability.
When Sylar took Claire's ability, he may have taken the Catalyst as well.	None.	+ When he said that she can't die and he couldn't either, he might have wanted to make more abilities for him. - In any case, Claire and Hiro either altered history or were part of a predestination paradox, in the end, Claire never had the catalyst.
The Catalyst is still latent in Hiro and can be reactivated.	None.	+ Hiro's ability was partially restored by Matt Parkman, Jr. after it had been taken by Arthur.