Virus replication does not involve meiosis so the virus genome does not gain diversity from having two parents , so other than from mutation, do viruses obtain new genetic sequences from the host cell ?

Do virus genomes show evidence of containing base pair sequences which originated from host cell ?

  • $\begingroup$ look up the term "mutation" that is the source for new genetic sequences in sexual species as well. $\endgroup$ – John Jun 16 '20 at 3:44
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    $\begingroup$ Yes, it does seem that a virus can pick up transposable elements from the host — you may be interested in this related question: biology.stackexchange.com/questions/92829/… $\endgroup$ – Alex Reynolds Jun 16 '20 at 20:04

Yes. See for example this article, which describes how some viruses can pick up bits of human DNA. Here's a quote from the article:


  • $\begingroup$ I really like that you gave an answer, but an appropriate quote from the article would make this answer soooo much better, earn you upvotes, and defeat the effects of a broken link. $\endgroup$ – anongoodnurse Jun 18 '20 at 16:56
  • $\begingroup$ OK, added a quote. When I tested the link, it worked. Is it broken from your perspective? $\endgroup$ – S. McGrew Jun 18 '20 at 17:04
  • $\begingroup$ Nope. Perfect ! $\endgroup$ – anongoodnurse Jun 18 '20 at 17:06
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    $\begingroup$ “Steal genetic signals” Obviously a case for the local constabulary. $\endgroup$ – David Jun 18 '20 at 19:06
  • $\begingroup$ It gets worse. The article in question reckons “they steal our genetic code”. Are you sure it isn’t a tweet from that flatulent person? $\endgroup$ – David Jun 18 '20 at 19:10

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