Transitions in understanding of RNA viruses: a historical perspective.
This chapter documents that RNA viruses have been known for over a century to be genetically variable. In recent decades, genetic and molecular analyses demonstrate that they form RNA quasispecies populations; the most rapidly mutating, highly variable and genetically versatile life forms on earth. Their enormous populations, rapid replication and extreme genetic plasticity can allow rates of evolution that exceed those of their eukaryotic host populations by millions-fold.
Division of Biology and Institute for Molecular Genetics, University of California at San Diego, CA, La Jolla, 92093, USA.
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Holland
D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D016679:Genome, Viral; D009154:Mutation; D023321:Poliovirus Vaccines / Q000276:immunology; D012328:RNA Viruses / Q000235:genetics*; D014779:Virus Replication
D023321:Poliovirus Vaccines