Prime (rank) TFP

Prime is a rank of highest possible distinction on Cybertron. The original had their power flowing through their very CNA. Currently their power is something that is bestowed only to those that carry the Matrix of Leadership.

Transformers: Exodus
Following the War of the Original Thirteen Primes, the Covenant of Primus decreed there would only be one Prime ruling Cybertron at a time. It was technically Primus's right to appoint the Prime and bestow them the Matrix, but gradually his children became ignorant of his presence. It almost seems Sentinel Prime was the only Prime between the Age of the Primes and Optimus, as he fought off the Quintessons, established the Golden Age and tried to combat its decline by establishing the caste system, to Alpha Trion's displeasure. Sentinel was unworthy of the Matrix, and the Coresaid it was only after his death that Optimus could receive it for being a Prime was not a status Trion or the High Council could grant. The civil war began and continues as Megatron and Starscream both want to be Prime and bear the Matrix.

Transformers: War for Cybertron
The High Council declares they exist to choose the Primes, and seemingly referencing the Thirteen, note they have watched as many Primes fell to their greed and pride.

"Alpha/Omega"
Megatron traveled to Cybertron with Dreadwing to visit a tomb known to hold the remains of a Prime. He severed the arm of the Prime and attached it to his own body to gain control of the Forge of Solus Prime. With the Forge, he crafted the Dark Star Saber.

Predacons Rising
As he prepared to sacrifice himself to restore the AllSpark to the core of Cybertron, Optimus Prime told his team members that, although they may not technically be Primes, he believed that they had each demonstrated the worth of a Prime in the recent conflict against Unicron.

Transformers: Robots in Disguise
The Thirteen Primes had a personal mystic plane of existence known as the Realm of the Primes. After becoming one with the AllSpark, Optimus Prime trained here in preparation for a coming threat to both Earth and Cybertron.

When the threat, the return of Megatronus, came, Micronus took Optimus to consult the other Primes on their next course of action. Though the other Primes thought that Optimus's training was not complete, Optimus convinced them to give him their power and send him to Earth to deal with Megatronus immediately.

Notable Primes

 * Thirteen
 * Prima (unknown presumed deceased)
 * Megatronus Prime (presumed deceased)
 * Alpha Trion (one with the AllSpark)
 * Vector Prime (unknown)
 * Quintus Prime (unknown presumed deceased)
 * Nexus Prime (unknown)
 * Solus Prime (deceased)
 * Liege Maximo (deceased)
 * Alchemist Prime (unknown)
 * Amalgamous Prime (unknown)
 * Onyx Prime (merged with Primus)
 * Micronus Prime (one with the AllSpark in the Realm of the Primes)
 * Sentinel Zeta Prime (deceased)
 * Optimus Prime (currently)

Trivia

 * Before the line ended, Smokescreen was Optimus' and Alpha Trion's first choice to inherit the Matrix, while Smokescreen himself felt Bumblebee was better suited.
 * When someone is selected as a Prime, they have the title Prime as a last name, such as how Orion Pax became Optimus Prime when he was selected to be a Prime.
 * There is a misconception where The Matrix is a requirement in becoming a Prime despite in Transformers: War for Cybertron, it was proven that it was the Autobot High Council's job in choosing a Prime to lead. This was how Optimus Prime and Zeta Prime received their ranks.
 * Optimus said that his team acted like true Primes, with or without the Matrix of Leadership.
 * Primes don't laugh.
 * Primes don't cry.
 * Primes don't (normally) lose their temper.