Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Retrovirus Life Cycles01:10

Retrovirus Life Cycles

Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
Viral Recombination00:57

Viral Recombination

Cells are sometimes infected by more than one virus at once. When two viruses disassemble to expose their genomes for replication in the same cell, similar regions of their genomes can pair together and exchange sequences in a process called recombination. Alternatively, viruses with segmented genomes can swap segments in a process called reassortment.
Viral Mutations00:36

Viral Mutations

A mutation is a change in the sequence of bases of DNA or RNA in a genome. Some mutations occur during replication of the genome due to errors made by the polymerase enzymes that replicate DNA or RNA. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase is prone to errors because it is not capable of “proofreading” its work. Viruses with RNA-based genomes, like HIV, therefore accrue mutations faster than viruses with DNA-based genomes. Because mutation and recombination provide the raw material for adaptive...
Introduction to Virus01:28

Introduction to Virus

Viruses are unique biological entities that blur the boundary between living and non-living systems. Although they lack cellular structure and metabolic processes, they can exhibit characteristics of life when infecting a host. Their defining feature is a nucleic acid core, composed of either DNA or RNA, encapsulated within a protein coat called a capsid. This simple structure allows them to invade host cells and use their machinery for replication efficiently.Viral Structure and...
Evolutionary Processes in Microbes01:26

Evolutionary Processes in Microbes

Microbial evolution occurs rapidly due to short generation times and a variety of genetic processes, including horizontal gene transfer, mutation, recombination, and genetic drift. These mechanisms collectively enable microbes to adapt swiftly to changing environments.Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) allows genes to move between different species and occurs through three main mechanisms: conjugation, transformation, and transduction. Conjugation involves direct cell-to-cell contact for DNA...
Evolution of New Traits in Microbes01:24

Evolution of New Traits in Microbes

Microorganisms evolve rapidly due to their large population sizes and short generation times, often exhibiting measurable changes within days under laboratory conditions. Natural selection acts on standing genetic variation, enabling the retention and amplification of beneficial traits that confer fitness advantages in changing environments.Adaptive Pigment Regulation in RhodobacterIn Rhodobacter, a genus of purple non-sulfur bacteria, light-harvesting pigments such as bacteriochlorophyll and...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

XRISE-M: X-radiography facility for solidification and diffusion studies of alloys aboard sounding rockets.

The Review of scientific instruments·2020
Same author

ARTEC-A furnace module for directional solidification and quenching experiments in microgravity.

The Review of scientific instruments·2020
Same author

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency targeted testing and augmentation therapy: a Canadian Thoracic Society clinical practice guideline.

Canadian respiratory journal·2012
Same author

Defining the clinical outcome status (COS) in sarcoidosis: results of WASOG Task Force.

Sarcoidosis, vasculitis, and diffuse lung diseases : official journal of WASOG·2011
Same author

Limestone concretions at the ends of the fingers.

Annales de dermatologie et de syphiligraphie·2010
Same author

Management of chronic bronchitis and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.

International journal of antimicrobial agents·2008

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Modeling The Lifecycle Of Ebola Virus Under Biosafety Level 2 Conditions With Virus-like Particles Containing Tetracistronic Minigenomes
10:11

Modeling The Lifecycle Of Ebola Virus Under Biosafety Level 2 Conditions With Virus-like Particles Containing Tetracistronic Minigenomes

Published on: September 27, 2014

Virology. Evolution on life's fringes.

M Balter

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |September 30, 2000
    PubMed
    Summary

    Viruses may have existed for billions of years, potentially predating the first cells. This suggests viruses could have played a crucial role in the early evolution of life on Earth.

    Area of Science:

    • Virology
    • Evolutionary Biology
    • Origin of Life Studies

    Background:

    • Recent scientific gathering focused on viral origins and evolution.
    • Emerging evidence indicates viruses have existed for billions of years.

    Discussion:

    • Viruses may have been present at the emergence of the first cells.
    • Investigating the potential role of viruses in the evolution of early cellular life.

    Key Insights:

    • Viruses are ancient entities, possibly co-evolving with the earliest life forms.
    • The long history of viruses challenges previous assumptions about their origins.

    Outlook:

    • Further research into viral genomes and fossil records is needed.
    • Understanding viral roles in early evolution could reshape our view of life's history.

    More Related Videos

    Virus Propagation and Cell-Based Colorimetric Quantification
    07:26

    Virus Propagation and Cell-Based Colorimetric Quantification

    Published on: April 7, 2023

    Environmental Sampling of Photosynthetic Microbes and Their Viruses: From Field to Lab
    08:01

    Environmental Sampling of Photosynthetic Microbes and Their Viruses: From Field to Lab

    Published on: July 3, 2025

    Related Experiment Videos

    Last Updated: Jul 5, 2026

    Modeling The Lifecycle Of Ebola Virus Under Biosafety Level 2 Conditions With Virus-like Particles Containing Tetracistronic Minigenomes
    10:11

    Modeling The Lifecycle Of Ebola Virus Under Biosafety Level 2 Conditions With Virus-like Particles Containing Tetracistronic Minigenomes

    Published on: September 27, 2014

    Virus Propagation and Cell-Based Colorimetric Quantification
    07:26

    Virus Propagation and Cell-Based Colorimetric Quantification

    Published on: April 7, 2023

    Environmental Sampling of Photosynthetic Microbes and Their Viruses: From Field to Lab
    08:01

    Environmental Sampling of Photosynthetic Microbes and Their Viruses: From Field to Lab

    Published on: July 3, 2025