“The DNA remnants of these ancient retroviruses, distant relatives of today’s HIV, account for an estimated 8 percent of the human genetic code and may have enabled master genes that account for some of the differences between us and our chimpanzee relatives.” (Link)

A virus can take two approached to replicating its DNA.  One way, which does not destroy the cell, is called the lysogenic cycle.� In the lysogenic cycle, A virus attaches to a host cell (they are unable to replicate without a host).� Once inside the host cell, they begin producing the proteins needed to replicate their own DNA or RNA.� The Viral DNA/RNA then gets incorporated into the host DNA, and becomes dormant an unknown time frame.

However, not all viruses are bad.� In the case of the ones that have been incorporated into our DNA, they control our well being.� When those genes fail, cancer is the result.� There are other examples of good viruses, however this is one of the more popular genes that we did not find upon random mutations.� This was incorporated into our DNA via a virus, many years ago.

The joys of science!

-Justin