Viruses helped create the placenta?

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The discussion centers on the role of endogenous retroviruses (endoviruses) in the evolution of mammalian DNA, particularly their integration into the genome as functional host genes rather than merely junk DNA. An article highlighted in the discussion claims that key structures, such as the mammalian placenta, are derived from mutated proteins of three distinct endovirus genes. Additionally, parallels are drawn to organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts, which contain ring DNA similar to endoviruses and are present in all organisms, suggesting a deep evolutionary connection. This exploration raises questions about the significance of these viral remnants in the development of complex biological systems.
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At http://science-matters.blogspot.com/2006/05/endogenous-retroviruses-are-we-product.html , part of a carnival of animacules being celebrated, is an article on endoviruses. These are the descendents of retroviruses that inserted their code into the DNA, which have subsequently settled down as tru host genes.

And not just junk DNA either, as the article asserts that the mammalian placenta, among other structures, is built out of mutated versions of proteins from three separate endovirus genes!
 
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organelles

yes the same theories have existed for years in the production of organism's organelles. mitochondria and chloroplasts both contain ring DNa that is constistant with such an endo virus, yet exist in every single organism on the planet:confused:
 
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