US, WASHINGTON (ORDO NEWS) — In the XIX century, scientists began to study viruses, because they realized that they cause various diseases. Over time, virologists began to realize the role that viruses play in the life of living organisms. As it turned out, viruses have made a great contribution to the evolution of species and biodiversity.
Viruses, penetrating the cells, reprogram them in their own way, said Patrick Forterre of the Pasteur Institute. This method of distribution still puzzles scientists: experts cannot say for sure whether viruses belong to animate or inanimate nature. Some viruses can reproduce only in cells that are already infected with “brothers.” Such strains are called virophages. The previous virus loses its ability to replicate.
The specialist also added that some viruses cannot be considered bad. They infect bacteria that cause various complications in humans. Such viruses may well be taken as the basis for the treatment of various diseases of a bacterial nature.
Human evolution comes from a modification of syncytin, that is, a protein that is derived from a retrovirus. It is thanks to him that the maternal organism does not reject the fetus. Another protein, also from a retrovirus, helped shape the nervous system.
Thus, viruses are far from always the enemies of people. In some cases, evolution is impossible without them.
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