Endogenous Retroviruses

What is a retrovirus?

• A type of bacteria that infects cells.

• An RNA virus that inserts its genome into a host's DNA.

• A DNA virus that replicates independently of the host.

• A protein that helps repair damaged DNA.

How can a retrovirus become an "endogenous retrovirus" (ERV) in a species?

• By infecting only white blood cells.

• By being passed down through generations after infecting a sperm or egg cell that participates in fertilization.

• By being completely eliminated by the immune system.

• By mutating to become non-functional.

What do endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) in human DNA represent?

• Active viral infections that cause disease.

• Segments of DNA that are entirely unique to humans.

• Historical records of past viral infections suffered by ancestors.

• Genes that are always beneficial for reproduction.

How many common retrovirus insertions do we share with chimps?

• 12

• 5

• 1

• 205

There are many lines of DNA evidence that show that humans and chimps evolved from a common ancestor. 

• True

• False

What did Dr. Collins say about how well biological evolution and descent from a common ancestor are supported by DNA evidence?