5500 New Viruses Identified
In a recent analysis of the genetic material in the ocean, scientists have identified thousands of previously unknown RNA viruses.
- While scientists have cataloged hundreds of thousands of DNA viruses in their natural ecosystems, RNA viruses have been relatively unstudied.
RNA Viruses
- These viruses carry their genetic information in Ribonucleic acid (RNA), rather than Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).They evolve at much quicker rates than DNA viruses do.
- RNA viruses cause various diseases in people, ranging from the common cold to COVID-19. They also infect plants and animals important to people.
Background
- Unlike humans and other organisms composed of cells, viruses lack ....