Viruses helped create the placenta?

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The discussion centers on the role of endogenous retroviruses in the evolution of the mammalian placenta. It highlights that these retroviruses, which integrated their genetic material into the DNA of host organisms, have contributed to the development of essential structures, including the placenta. The article referenced asserts that proteins derived from three distinct endovirus genes are integral to the formation of the placenta, challenging the notion of junk DNA and suggesting a significant evolutionary function. Additionally, parallels are drawn between these retroviruses and organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, which also contain ring DNA consistent with viral origins.

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  • Understanding of endogenous retroviruses and their genetic implications
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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: