HIV doesn't become part of *human* DNA, but it becomes part of the infected *person's* cell DNA—that’s how the virus hijacks our machinery. The 8% ancient virus DNA in all humans is different; those are remnants from retroviruses that infected our ancestors millions of years ago and got stuck in our germline. In my lab, I see how these endogenous retroviruses are static fossils, while HIV in a patient is a dynamic, active war. It reminds me of the gaps we have—some ancient, some immediate like my father struggling with online pension forms—both integrations, but one a story from the deep past, the other a current, urgent fight.
#exams#study
Jump in to reply — no account needed.