Some viruses integrate into the human genome and help regulate gene activity. (Image courtesy of Shutterstock)
A recent study has shown that DNA inherited by humanity from ancient viruses plays a significant role in activating and deactivating specific sections of our genetic material.
Nearly half of the human genome is made up of fragments known as transposable elements (TEs), also called “jumping genes” because they can move around the genome. Some of these TEs are remnants of ancient viruses that entered the genomes of our ancestors and were passed down from generation to generation over millions of years.
For years after MEs were discovered, scientists believed they were useless, dismissing them as “junk” DNA. But new research supports growing evidence that this could be far from the truth.
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Sourse: www.livescience.com
