The discovery of endogenous retroviruses
2006
The Discovery of Endogenous Retroviruses
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Robin A Weiss
Primary Institution: University College London
Hypothesis
How did endogenous viruses first come to light?
Conclusion
Endogenous retroviruses were discovered through careful analysis and have been shown to be inherited by hosts as Mendelian traits.
Supporting Evidence
- 8% of human DNA represents fossil retroviral genomes.
- Endogenous retroviruses were discovered in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
- Evidence for the existence of endogenous retroviruses was confirmed by nucleic acid hybridization.
Takeaway
Scientists found that some of our DNA comes from ancient viruses that have been passed down through generations. These viruses can help us understand how we evolved.
Methodology
The discovery involved combining virological and immunological methods with Mendelian genetics.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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