Transitions in Understanding of RNA Viruses: A Historical Perspective

Autor: J. J. Holland
Rok vydání: 2006
Předmět:
Zdroj: Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology ISBN: 3540263950
DOI: 10.1007/3-540-26397-7_14
Popis: This chapter documents that RNA viruses have been known for over a century to be genetically variable. In recent decades, genetic and molecular analyses demonstrate that they form RNA quasispecies populations; the most rapidly mutating, highly variable and genetically versatile life forms on earth. Their enormous populations, rapid replication and extreme genetic plasticity can allow rates of evolution that exceed those of their eukaryotic host populations by millions-fold.
Databáze: OpenAIRE