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genphis
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i was wondering if anybody had any thoughts about the symbiotic relationship between us and viruses, and whether the fact that we are vehicles for them motivate them to to change us and modify our evolution.
genphis said:i was wondering if anybody had any thoughts about the symbiotic relationship between us and viruses, and whether the fact that we are vehicles for them motivate them to to change us and modify our evolution.
Ygggdrasil said:It is possible that we do derive some benefit from retroviruses, however. We know that retroviruses, either the infectious kinds of the kinds that have become endogenous mobile genetic elements, have the ability to reshuffle our genetic material. For example, a retrovirus can accidentally replace part of its sequence with DNA from the host. When this virus integrates into a new position in the genome, that host sequence will have moved to a new position in the genome where it can possibly adopt a new function.
While this process certainly can be harmful--for example, the idea of oncogenes, cancer causing genes, were first discovered when researchers realized that cancer-causing genes from a variety of tumor viruses were actually genes taken from the host's genome--it is possible that this process has also aided the host's evolution by generating more genetic diversity. For example, this process would promote recombination between different regions of the genome, allowing genes with new functions to arise. This could be one explanation for why endogenous retroviruses are so prevalent in our genomes.
This is a subject I find quite interesting. It is amazing how dependant relationships have evolved to become so species specific in some cases that the loss of one means the extinction of the other.cesiumfrog said:I'm reading Carl Zimmerman's "parasite rex". Aside from being quite readable and extremely interesting, it seems to give examples of how the role of parasites (if not viruses specifically) has been overlooked (in evolution, etc). (E.g., in particular environments >95% of fish the birds catch have parasites, which alter the fish behaviour to better facilitate transmission, and bringing into question the role the birds might play in that ecosystem otherwise.)
Viruses can manipulate our evolution by inserting their genetic material into our DNA, causing mutations that can potentially lead to changes in our physical traits or abilities. They can also influence gene expression, altering the way our cells function.
Yes, viruses can accelerate evolution by introducing new traits into a population through genetic mutations. These traits can be beneficial, allowing individuals with the mutation to survive and reproduce, thus passing on the new trait to future generations.
No, viruses are not solely responsible for all evolutionary changes. While they can play a significant role in shaping the genetic makeup of a population, other factors such as natural selection, genetic drift, and environmental changes also contribute to evolution.
Yes, viruses can potentially cause speciation, which is the process of one species splitting into two or more distinct species. This can occur when a virus infects a population and causes genetic changes that lead to reproductive isolation, preventing individuals from different populations from interbreeding.
Studying viruses can provide insights into the mechanisms of evolution, such as genetic mutations and natural selection. It can also help us understand the relationship between viruses and their hosts and how their interactions can shape the evolution of both parties.