Some viruses defend against attackers with their own immune systems, a Aix-Marseille (France) University study has found, according to HNGN.
Researchers examined the genomes of 60 strains of mimiviruses, to discover DNA originated from Zamilon, a smaller virus.
Here are five observations:
1. Researchers found some viruses possess a genetic modification mechanism similar to the clustered regularly-interspaced short palindromic repeats technique.
2. Viruses grasp pieces of a smaller virus' genetic material and put them into their own DNA.
3. This results in the viruses utilizing the stolen genetic sequences to enhance their defensive enzymes.
4. The study found pieces of the Zamilon genetic code in the mimiviruses.
5. The study's results beg the question of what is considered "alive," and where to draw the line between cells and viruses.
