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Direct Hit

Theme A - Unity & diversity

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Page Facing Up

Theme B - Form & Function

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Pill

Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence

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Keycap Digit One

Theme D - Continuity & Change

<ul>
	<li>What Are They? Tiny particles, smaller than cells, that can infect living organisms.</li>
	<li>Big Question: Did viruses come before cells, or did cells come before viruses?</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>The Clue: All viruses have nearly the same genetic code, so maybe they all came from one ancient virus.</li>
	<li>But Wait, There&#39;s a Twist! The wide variety in virus structures hints they might have multiple origins. Imagine a huge family tree with many branches rather than just one.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Parasite Alert: Viruses need a host cell to grow, just like a bad roommate needs your fridge.</li>
	<li>Logical Detective Work: If viruses need cells, then cells must have come first! This inheritance comes from LUCA (Last Universal Common Ancestor).</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Progressive Hypotheses: Like building a LEGO set, viruses were built step-by-step using and modifying cell parts.</li>
	<li>Regressive Hypotheses: Like deconstructing a LEGO set, viruses developed by losing cell parts.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Retro-WHAT? They&#39;re like spies in cell genomes. They make DNA copies of themselves and insert them randomly into chromosomes.</li>
	<li>HIV Connection: This process is similar to how retroviruses like HIV work. Think of retrotransposons as a rough draft for HIV.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Examples of Simplicity and Complexity: Polio virus is small and simple, while smallpox is more complex. Mimivirus is like the jumbo jet of viruses - huge and complicated!</li>
	<li>The Bacteria Connection: Some bacteria like Chlamydia lost functions and became more like parasites. It&#39;s like going from being an independent adult to moving back in with your parents!</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Progressive AND Regressive: Viruses may have multiple origins. Imagine a grand buffet where viruses picked up traits from both sides.</li>
	<li>Convergent Evolution: Shared features of viruses might be due to function rather than family ties. Imagine different people inventing the umbrella separately because they all wanted to stay dry.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Mimivirus: Think of it as the blue whale of viruses. Huge and fascinating!</li>
	<li>Retroviruses like HIV: Their methods are similar to certain cell mechanisms, like a criminal using legal tools for illegal jobs.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>The Chicken or Egg Dilemma: Did viruses or cells come first? The evidence points both ways.</li>
	<li>Two Paths of Evolution: Viruses may have formed progressively by adding parts or regressively by losing them. Imagine a car being built and then taken apart.</li>
	<li>Diverse Origins: Like different types of cars, viruses may have various origins but share some features because they serve the same purpose.</li>
</ul>

By understanding the origins of viruses, we can delve into a world as intricate and varied as our favorite movies and games. It&#39;s like piecing together the ultimate puzzle, with clues scattered across biology!

Theme A - Unity & diversity

Unlocking Viral Origins Evidence & Hypotheses

Table of content

Introduction to viruses

The hypothesis of single ancestry

Viruses as obligate parasites

The two big ideas on virus evolution

Unlock the Full Content!

Theme A - Unity & diversity

Unlocking Viral Origins Evidence & Hypotheses

Table of content

Introduction to viruses

The hypothesis of single ancestry

Viruses as obligate parasites

The two big ideas on virus evolution

Unlock the Full Content!