"What are the chances of a biochemistry occuring on Titan--even though temperatures are very small."
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Question
Where did viruses originate?
No one knows. Many astrobiologists think that viruses evolved from cellular life, as fragments of nuclear material (genes) that evolved into a simplified form that requires being united with a cellular host in order to function and reproduce. However, there is an alternative hypothesis that the simple genes of viruses formed first and later evolved into cellular life. Incidentally, there is also a debate as to whether viruses really meet the definition of living things, since they cannot carry out their life cycle without invading pre-existing living cells. David Morrison
NAI Senior Scientist
March 17, 2006
- How frequently are questions answered?
- I asked a question but there was no answer?
- Who is the Astrobiologist answering these questions?
- Will I get an email when my question is answered?
- What college courses should I take to become an astrobiologist?
- How can I get a job as an astrobiologist at NASA?
- Have aliens visited Earth? Are UFOs real?
- Is there a planet or brown dwarf called Nibiru or Eris that is approaching the Earth and threatening our planet with widespread destruction?
- Is it true that the Sun will be in the center of the Milky Way Galaxy in December 2012 and that this will cause a pole shift and massive destruction.
- Has NASA discovered life on other worlds?
- Astrobiology Career Path Suggestions
