title: Retroviruses and evolution.
abstract: A wide variety of different genetic elements and DNA sequences have used reverse transcription in their replication or transposition. Some of these elements may be evolutionarily related and show a continued evolution to autonomy from the cell genome. The evolution of a cancer reflects a similar drive for autonomy from the organism.
mesh_terms: D005075:Biological Evolution; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics; D004251:DNA Transposable Elements; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics; D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / Q000502:physiology; D012091:Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid; D012190:Retroviridae / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D014162:Transfection; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D014779:Virus Replication
chemical_list: D004251:DNA Transposable Elements; D012367:RNA, Viral; D014764:Viral Proteins; D004247:DNA; D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase