Viruses: a step forward in evolution?

Authors

  • Ángel Navarro Fernández
  • Ana Grande

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24310/enbio.v15i183.17121

Abstract

Viruses are undoubtedly well known for the wide variety of diseases and problems they cause globally. However, a great  deal  of research  has allowed us to understand to some extent the true nature       of many of the viruses with which all species on the planet coexist. Thus, it has been shown that many of  them have established symbiotic relationships with individuals from different kingdoms. It has also been found in the genome of many species elements known as «transposons» that come from the incorporation of genetic material from  certain viruses and that over time have been  consolidated as genetic material specific  to the species. There are viruses that, oddly enough, have also helped some organisms. Our own species, for example, benefits from the infection of the GBV-C pegivirus, which can interfere with or even prevent HIV-1 infection. Similarly, the so-called oncolytic viruses, although mostly non-naturally occurring, are viruses that have been genetically modified for use in the treatment of various types of cancer. This article aims to show examples of viruses that have been able to positively influence the evolution of species, as well as the mechanisms they have employed.

 

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Published

2022-09-21

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Artículos

How to Cite

Viruses: a step forward in evolution?. (2022). Encuentros En La Biología, 15(183), 10-18. https://doi.org/10.24310/enbio.v15i183.17121