The genetic makeup of many viruses supports the hypothesis that they are derived from "escaped" cellular components.In contrast, which class of viruses best supports the hypothesis that certain viruses have evolved from highly reduced parasitic organisms?
A) Single-stranded RNA viruses
B) Mimiviruses
C) Proviruses
D) Single-stranded DNA viruses
E) Double-stranded RNA viruses

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mimiviruses are large, DNA-containing viruses that have been suggested to have a possible origin from an ancient parasitic organism due to their size and similarity to some bacterial and eukaryotic genes. The other options (A, D, E) are all types of viruses that have been suggested to have evolved from cellular components through different mechanisms. Proviruses refer to viruses that have integrated their genetic material into the host cell's genome.

The Genetic Makeup of Many Viruses Supports the Hypothesis That