Q: In the context of viral evolution, what term describes the process by which viruses acquire genetic material from other viruses or host genomes through reassortment or recombination?

Sun, 03 May 2026 09:59:35 +0000

Understanding Recombination in Viral Evolution: The Process Behind Genetic Innovation In the dynamic and ever-changing world of viral evolution, understanding how viruses acquire new genetic material is key to unraveling their adaptability, pathogenicity, and ability to cause disease outbreaks. A crucial mechanism enabling this genetic innovation is recombination—a powerful evolutionary process whereby viruses integrate foreign genetic material from other viruses or even host genomes. This article explores the concept of recombination in viral evolution, explaining its significance, mechanisms, and implications for public health and virology. ### What Is Recombination in Viruses? Recombination refers to the process by which two or more viral genomes exchange or mix genetic material, generating novel sequences that did not originally exist in either parent virus. Unlike simple mutation, which introduces small, incremental changes, recombination can lead to large-scale genomic shifts, enabling rapid adaptation and the emergence of new viral strains with altered virulence, host range, or immune evasion capabilities.