ENDOGENOUS VIRUS Meaning and
Definition
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An endogenous virus is a type of virus that is permanently integrated into the genome of an organism. It is the result of a previous infection by an exogenous virus, which has invaded the host's cells and incorporated its genetic material into the host DNA. As a consequence, the viral genome becomes part of the host organism's genetic makeup and is replicated and transmitted to the host's offspring during reproduction.
Unlike exogenous viruses, which are transmitted between individuals via direct contact or other means, endogenous viruses are passed on vertically from one generation to the next. These viruses essentially become a heritable component of the host organism's genome and are present in all cells of the individual, including the germ cells (eggs or sperm).
Endogenous viruses are generally benign and do not actively produce infectious particles or cause disease in the host organism. Over time, the viral DNA may accumulate mutations and undergo genetic changes, leading to its inactivation or impairment of its ability to function as a virus. However, some endogenous viruses can reawaken and become reactivated under certain conditions, potentially leading to disease or other consequences.
Understanding endogenous viruses is important because they provide insights into the coevolution of viruses and their host organisms. Furthermore, the study of endogenous viral elements can shed light on the evolution of the immune system and the dynamics of virus-host interactions over long periods of time.
Common Misspellings for ENDOGENOUS VIRUS
- wndogenous virus
- sndogenous virus
- dndogenous virus
- rndogenous virus
- 4ndogenous virus
- 3ndogenous virus
- ebdogenous virus
- emdogenous virus
- ejdogenous virus
- ehdogenous virus
- ensogenous virus
- enxogenous virus
- encogenous virus
- enfogenous virus
- enrogenous virus
- eneogenous virus
- endigenous virus
- endkgenous virus
- endlgenous virus
- endpgenous virus
Etymology of ENDOGENOUS VIRUS
The word "endogenous" comes from the Greek roots "endon", meaning "within", and "genos", meaning "race" or "kind". It is derived from the term "endogeny", which describes the production or growth of something internally within an organism.
The term "virus" originates from the Latin word "virus", which referred to a poisonous liquid or venom. It later evolved to describe a contagious substance, particularly associated with diseases.
Therefore, the etymology of the word "endogenous virus" combines "endogenous" meaning "within" or "internally" with "virus" referring to a contagious substance, emphasizing that an endogenous virus is one that originates or is generated from within an organism.
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