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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...
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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...
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Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...
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In a study where individuals posing as strangers offered compliments and proposed casual sex to students, the responses differed significantly based on gender. Not a single woman accepted the proposal, while 70% of the men agreed. This outcome provides a useful scenario to explore through the lens of evolutionary psychology and social learning theory, highlighting the diverse perspectives on human sexual behaviors.
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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.
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Environmental Sampling of Photosynthetic Microbes and Their Viruses: From Field to Lab
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An Ecosystems Perspective on Virus Evolution and Emergence.

Rebecca K French1, Edward C Holmes1

  • 1Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.

Trends in Microbiology
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Viruses are integral ecosystem components, not just pathogens. Understanding viral roles in host interactions and ecosystem health requires an ecological perspective for better insights into virus evolution and disease emergence.

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Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Ecology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Historically, virus evolution research focused on pathogenic emergence.
  • Metagenomic studies reveal a vast viral diversity, with few causing overt disease.
  • This necessitates a shift from viewing viruses solely as pathogens to integral ecosystem players.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the ecological roles of viruses beyond pathogenesis.
  • To investigate how viruses influence host interactions and ecosystem functions.
  • To understand the reciprocal relationship between host ecology and viral dynamics.

Main Methods:

  • Metagenomic analysis of viral communities.
  • Ecological modeling of host-virus interactions.
  • Comparative studies across diverse ecosystems.

Main Results:

  • Viruses significantly alter host interactions at individual, population, and ecosystem levels.
  • Viral activity impacts ecosystem health, resilience, and overall function.
  • Host ecological factors demonstrably influence viral abundance and diversity.

Conclusions:

  • Shifting to an ecosystem perspective provides true context for virus evolution and disease emergence.
  • Understanding viruses as ecological components enhances knowledge of fundamental ecological processes.
  • This ecological viewpoint is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of viral impacts.