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giant viruses
Viruses are microorganisms that have genes but no cellular structure and, unlike bacteria, are not considered forms of life. Giant viruses, on the other hand, are so-called "giant" because the extra large size of their genomes. Giant viruses have complex genomes that can rival some bacteria. Recent studies suggest that giant viruses have some of the most ancient protein structures found in all organisms on the planet and can provide an important source of information for the three traditional branches on the tree of life — bacteria, microbes (archaea) and eukaryotes.
A mysterious giant virus buried for 30,000 years in Siberian permafrost has been resurrected. The event raises the possibility that as the climate warms and exploration expands in long-untouched regions of Siberia, humans could release ancient or eradicated viruses. These could include Neanderthal viruses or even smallpox that have lain dormant in the ice for thousands of years.
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