A virus found in the sea offChileis the biggest in the world, harbouring more than 1,000 genes, surprised scientists reported on October 10, 2011.
The genome of Megavirus chilensis is 6.5 per cent bigger than the DNA code of the previous virus record-holder, Mimivirus, isolated in 2003.
Viruses differ from bacteria in that they are usually far smaller and cannot reproduce on their own, needing to penetrate a host cell in which to replicate.
It was taken from sea water sample closed to theshoreofLas Cruces,Chile. Its host organism is unknown.
DNA viruses include pox viruses and herpes viruses, but M. chilensis “doesn’t seem to be harmful for humans,” said Jean-Michel Claverie, ofFrance’s National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS).
The genome of Megavirus chilensis is 6.5 per cent bigger than the DNA code of the previous virus record-holder, Mimivirus, isolated in 2003.
Viruses differ from bacteria in that they are usually far smaller and cannot reproduce on their own, needing to penetrate a host cell in which to replicate.
It was taken from sea water sample closed to theshoreofLas Cruces,Chile. Its host organism is unknown.
DNA viruses include pox viruses and herpes viruses, but M. chilensis “doesn’t seem to be harmful for humans,” said Jean-Michel Claverie, ofFrance’s National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS).
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