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Monodnaviria

By Michael Alan Prestwood

Sun 22 Feb 2026
Published 3 months ago.
Updated 4 weeks ago.
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About 1.75 billion years ago, Monodnaviria evolved as "runaway" genetic loops (plasmids) that stole structural proteins from other viruses to become independent, single-stranded DNA parasites.

Monodnaviria

~1.75 Billion years ago (+/- 200 million)
single-stranded DNA viruses

Monodnaviria is a high-level biological realm of viruses characterized by a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) genome. They are defined by their use of a specific protein (an HUH endonuclease) to initiate a process called rolling-circle replication.

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Michael Alan Prestwood
Author & Natural Philosopher
Prestwood writes on science-first philosophy, with particular attention to the convergence of disciplines. Drawing on his TST Framework, his work emphasizes rational inquiry grounded in empirical observation while engaging questions at the edges of established knowledge. With TouchstoneTruth positioned as a living touchstone, this work aims to contribute reliable, evolving analysis in an emerging AI era where the credibility of information is increasingly contested.
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