World's biggest virus found in sea off Chile

[Storm]

World's biggest virus found in sea off Chile



The genome of Megavirus chilensis is 6.5 per cent bigger than the DNA code of the previous virus record-holder, Mimivirus, isolated in 2003.

Viruses differ from bacteria in that they are usually far smaller and cannot reproduce on their own, needing to penetrate a host cell in which to replicate.

But M. chilensis is such a giant that it surpasses many bacteria in size and is genetically the most complex DNA virus ever described.

It was taken from sea water sample closed to the shore of Las Cruces, Chile. Its host organism is unknown.

DNA viruses include pox viruses and herpes viruses, but M. chilensis "doesn't seem to be harmful for humans," said Jean-Michel Claverie, of France's National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS).

- http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/8...off-Chile.html

[Magister Eckhart]

That is not dead which can eternal lie,
And with strange aeons even death may die.