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unconventionally_ t1_j9nleic wrote

Reply to comment by spacemonkeymafia42 in How did the placenta evolve? by fil-

Whoa. How do we adapt virus genes into our DNA? I’m so intrigued

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joalheagney t1_j9nr2t2 wrote

Keeping it short? Viruses reproduce by inserting DNA into our cells' nuclei (Even the RNA viruses - there's just extra steps).

Several viruses have a dormant stage, where they infect a cell, but don't produce new viral particles unless triggered - usually by stress of the host. Herpes simplex is a good example, which is why cold sores come back.

Once a viral gene is in a stem cell, it's up for reuse and adaptation via evolution, just like any other gene.

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