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Can Large Dsdna-Containing Viruses Provide Information About The Minimal Genome Size Required To Support Life?, James L. Van Etten
Can Large Dsdna-Containing Viruses Provide Information About The Minimal Genome Size Required To Support Life?, James L. Van Etten
James Van Etten Publications
The genomes of a few viruses, such as Bacillus megaterium phage G (670 kb) and the chlorella viruses (330 to 380 kb), are larger than the predicted minimal genome size required to support life (ca. 320 kb). A comparison of the 256 proteins predicted to be required for life with the putative 376 proteins encoded by chlorella virus PBCV-1, as well as those encoded by other large viruses, indicates that viruses lack many of these “essential” genes. Consequently, it is unlikely that viruses will aid in determining the minimal number and types of genes required for life. However, viruses may …