UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Questions  >   What is the significance of Endogenous Retro... Start Learning for Free
What is the significance of Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) in the human genome according to recent research findings?
  • a)
    ERVs are active viruses that can cause diseases in humans.
  • b)
    ERVs are remnants of ancient viral infections integrated into the human genome.
  • c)
    ERVs are currently causing genetic mutations in human DNA.
  • d)
    ERVs are fully functional viral sequences that replicate in human cells.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
What is the significance of Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) in the hum...
Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) are remnants of ancient viral infections that have integrated into the human genome. Recent research suggests that these ERVs, often referred to as 'zombie' regions, make up around 8% of the human genome. When these retroviruses infect germ cells, their genetic material can be passed down to the next generation, becoming a permanent part of the host's DNA. These ERVs are essentially inactive viral sequences within the genome that no longer produce functional viruses but persist as embedded genetic fossils.
Free Test
Community Answer
What is the significance of Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) in the hum...
Significance of Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) in the Human Genome

Remnants of Ancient Viral Infections: Recent research findings have shown that Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) are remnants of ancient viral infections that have integrated into the human genome over millions of years. These ERVs are essentially genetic fossils of past viral infections.

Potential Role in Evolution: ERVs have been found to play a significant role in shaping the evolution of species, including humans. They can influence gene expression, genome structure, and even contribute to genetic diversity within populations.

Possible Implications for Human Health: While ERVs are not actively infectious like exogenous retroviruses, there is ongoing research to investigate their potential impact on human health. Some studies suggest that ERVs may play a role in certain diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders, although more research is needed to fully understand these associations.

Understanding Human Genome Evolution: By studying ERVs in the human genome, scientists can gain insights into the evolutionary history of our species and better understand the mechanisms of genome evolution. This can provide valuable information about genetic diversity, adaptation, and the development of various traits in humans.
In conclusion, recent research findings highlight the significance of Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) as remnants of ancient viral infections integrated into the human genome. While they may not be actively causing diseases, ERVs have important implications for understanding human evolution and genetic diversity.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Similar UPSC Doubts

Top Courses for UPSC

What is the significance of Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) in the human genome according to recent research findings?a)ERVs are active viruses that can cause diseases in humans.b)ERVs are remnants of ancient viral infections integrated into the human genome.c)ERVs are currently causing genetic mutations in human DNA.d)ERVs are fully functional viral sequences that replicate in human cells.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
What is the significance of Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) in the human genome according to recent research findings?a)ERVs are active viruses that can cause diseases in humans.b)ERVs are remnants of ancient viral infections integrated into the human genome.c)ERVs are currently causing genetic mutations in human DNA.d)ERVs are fully functional viral sequences that replicate in human cells.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about What is the significance of Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) in the human genome according to recent research findings?a)ERVs are active viruses that can cause diseases in humans.b)ERVs are remnants of ancient viral infections integrated into the human genome.c)ERVs are currently causing genetic mutations in human DNA.d)ERVs are fully functional viral sequences that replicate in human cells.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for What is the significance of Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) in the human genome according to recent research findings?a)ERVs are active viruses that can cause diseases in humans.b)ERVs are remnants of ancient viral infections integrated into the human genome.c)ERVs are currently causing genetic mutations in human DNA.d)ERVs are fully functional viral sequences that replicate in human cells.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for What is the significance of Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) in the human genome according to recent research findings?a)ERVs are active viruses that can cause diseases in humans.b)ERVs are remnants of ancient viral infections integrated into the human genome.c)ERVs are currently causing genetic mutations in human DNA.d)ERVs are fully functional viral sequences that replicate in human cells.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for UPSC. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of What is the significance of Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) in the human genome according to recent research findings?a)ERVs are active viruses that can cause diseases in humans.b)ERVs are remnants of ancient viral infections integrated into the human genome.c)ERVs are currently causing genetic mutations in human DNA.d)ERVs are fully functional viral sequences that replicate in human cells.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of What is the significance of Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) in the human genome according to recent research findings?a)ERVs are active viruses that can cause diseases in humans.b)ERVs are remnants of ancient viral infections integrated into the human genome.c)ERVs are currently causing genetic mutations in human DNA.d)ERVs are fully functional viral sequences that replicate in human cells.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for What is the significance of Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) in the human genome according to recent research findings?a)ERVs are active viruses that can cause diseases in humans.b)ERVs are remnants of ancient viral infections integrated into the human genome.c)ERVs are currently causing genetic mutations in human DNA.d)ERVs are fully functional viral sequences that replicate in human cells.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of What is the significance of Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) in the human genome according to recent research findings?a)ERVs are active viruses that can cause diseases in humans.b)ERVs are remnants of ancient viral infections integrated into the human genome.c)ERVs are currently causing genetic mutations in human DNA.d)ERVs are fully functional viral sequences that replicate in human cells.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice What is the significance of Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) in the human genome according to recent research findings?a)ERVs are active viruses that can cause diseases in humans.b)ERVs are remnants of ancient viral infections integrated into the human genome.c)ERVs are currently causing genetic mutations in human DNA.d)ERVs are fully functional viral sequences that replicate in human cells.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice UPSC tests.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev