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A comment on Algorithm discovers how six molecules could evolve into life’s building blocks. Parent comment

Re:Algorithm discovers how six molecules could evolve into l... by keithwhor on Sunday October 04, 2020 @05:32PM (#24682422)
Absolutely the comparison I was intending to convey! Biology is a messy and beautiful place filled with competition and cooperation. :)

As much as 8% of our DNA was laterally transferred from viruses! In a sense, some infections result in a symbiosis with a host.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endogenous_retrovirus

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Re:Algorithm discovers how six molecules could evolve into l... by wombatmobile on Sunday October 04, 2020 @07:32PM (#24683097)
Lateral DNA transfer is awesome. Check out this visualisation of the molecular apparatus assembled on the surface of a bacterium to inject a chunk of DNA into a neighbouring bacterium.

Type 4 secretion system: ii- Pilus biogenesis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihlFqOK5cZM

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