The details of the mutate bonding process were explained in
Uncanny X-Men (vol. 1) #237 and
X-Factor (vol. 1) #89. In a first step, a colorful skin-tight suit is bonded to the mutates flesh, so that they will be instantly recognized as mutates. Additionally, the suits were sealed systems, protecting their wearers from the elements and injury, and re-processing all bodily wastes. Over the course of several sessions, the subject’s genetic potential was then brought fourth and shaped, to ensure that the mutate would manifest the most useful abilities. At least one session of the procedure also included psychokinetic conditioning, during which a mutate’s will was bound to a specific Magistrate in a master/slave relationship, so that they would never disobey. Finally, the mutate’s head was shaved, and their designated number was branded on their forehead.