Discuss three hypotheses about how viruses evolved Flashcards
What is the first hypothesis about the evolution of viruses?
The first hypothesis is that viruses evolved from plasmids, which are small DNA molecules that can replicate independently within a cell.
True or False: The second hypothesis suggests that viruses originated from cellular components that lost their ability to function independently.
True
Fill in the blank: The third hypothesis proposes that viruses may have arisen from __________, which are genes that have escaped from larger genomes.
transposons
What is a common characteristic of all three hypotheses regarding the evolution of viruses?
All three hypotheses suggest that viruses originated from existing biological entities.
Which hypothesis posits that viruses are remnants of ancient cellular life?
The second hypothesis.
Multiple Choice: Which hypothesis involves the idea that viruses could be derived from mobile genetic elements? A) Plasmid hypothesis B) Cellular component hypothesis C) Transposon hypothesis
C) Transposon hypothesis
What role do plasmids play in the first hypothesis of virus evolution?
Plasmids serve as the starting point for the evolution of viruses by providing a means of independent replication.
True or False: The cellular component hypothesis claims that viruses were once free-living organisms.
False
What is the significance of transposons in the context of virus evolution?
Transposons are significant because they represent genetic material that could give rise to viruses by escaping from host genomes.
Short Answer: How do the hypotheses about virus evolution help in understanding their role in biology?
They provide insights into the origins of viruses and their interactions with host cells, which is crucial for virology and disease management.
