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.
Author note.
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And now the piece.
Monodnaviria
~1.75 Billion years ago (+/- 200 million)
single-stranded DNA viruses
- Here's the key idea. 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.
- Finally, the core takeaway. By 1.75 billion years ago, the ancient double-stranded realms, Monodnaviria likely emerged from rolling-circle plasmids—circular DNA "apps" that escaped cellular control. By "hijacking" capsid genes from other viral groups, these modular entities transformed into infectious agents, populating the biosphere with resilient, compact viruses like Circoviruses and Nanoviruses.
That Science Story,
was first published on TST 2 months ago.
The flashcard inspired by it is this.
Front: Which realm of viruses features single-stranded DNS and rolling-circle replication?
Back: Monodnaviria
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The end!