The reference to 'redundant gene sequences' is based on real genetic science and is often called 'junk DNA'. This is the term used to describe the 95% of human DNA that appears to perform no particular function.
The idea for the tank suits that the soldiers wear, came from news reports that troops in Afghanistan were inadequately equipped to do their job properly.
The Gate is set a few years in the future and suggests that in this time certain specialist troops been given appropriate body protection to deal with IED's, mortar attacks and bomb disposal.
The troop helicopter design is loosely based on both the Boeing V-22 Osprey and Sikorsky MH-53.
One version of the script had robots instead of soldiers tranquilizing the creature in the street.