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Virus contains deadly black widow toxin, study reports -
Virus contains deadly black widow toxin, study reports -
199 SHARES Share Tweet Reddit Stumbleupon Google Mail Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter of the most popular science stories:Researchers at Vanderbilt University have discovered that the small "WO" virus contains DNA found in black widow toxin, according to a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications.WO is a virus that infects the bacterium Wolbachia.It infects nearly half of all arthropod species — a group that includes insects, spiders, and crustaceans — and is one of the most widespread bacterial infections on the planet.
in addition newscientist
Virus steals black widow poison gene to help it attack
Virus steals black widow poison gene to help it attack
Robert Llewellyn/GettyIn one of the most unexpected genetic thefts ever, a virus that infects bacteria appears to have stolen the gene coding for the poison of the black widow spiders.The virus, named WO, probably uses the gene to help it attack its targets.Viruses often steal genes from their hosts.
as well bbc
Virus stole poison genes from black widow spider
Virus stole poison genes from black widow spider
Image copyright Science Photo Library Image caption The WO virus appears to have pinched poison genes from black widow spidersIn a very unusual case of genetic theft, a virus has been caught with a gene that codes for the poison of black widow spiders.The chunks of arachnid DNA were probably stolen by the virus to help it punch through animal cells.But its target is not the animal itself - the "WO" virus only infects bacteria living within insects and spiders.
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