giant virus, microbiology

The University of Miami researcher studies how a mysterious group of supersized viruses infects and influences the evolution of their hosts.

Rather than introducing small chunks of DNA as other viruses do, some giant viruses can contribute more than 1 million base pairs to a host’s genome, broadening the ways in which viruses may shape eukaryote evolution.

The genome of a mimivirus strain resistant to a virophage has repeated phage sequences alongside nuclease- and helicase-coding sections.

From the same Siberian permafrost where three others were previously discovered, scientists find a fourth type of giant virus.

The discovery of more and more viruses of record-breaking size calls for a reclassification of life on Earth.
 

French scientists identify a new giant virus, which carries the genome of a smaller virus and a new breed of mobile DNA.

The largest virus to be sequenced prompts researchers to consider whether giant viruses were once full-fledged living organisms.