Ancient viruses have played a crucial role in the development of vertebrates with jaws, according to a recent study. These retroviruses, also known as jumping genes or retrotransposons, have embedded themselves in the DNA of their hosts, influencing the evolution of life on the planet. This discovery challenges the previous notion that remnants of ancient viruses were genetic garbage. Neuroscientist Jason Shepherd, from the University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, emphasizes the significant impact of retroviruses on the evolution of life on Earth.
2024-02-16 07:00:00
Original from www.sciencenews.org