what is the evidence that supports the escaped genome fragment hypotheis of the origin of viruses?

Answer 1

Many scientists thought that viruses were merely escaped genetic fragments. After all, viruses are not truly alive: They cannot replicate on their own and have no metabolism. They simply hijack host cells to make new copies of themselves.

The best explanation seemed to be that viruses evolved from genes in "true" organisms. Mutations allowed these renegade genes to leave their genomes and become encased in protective protein shells.

If that were true, however, the enzymes of viruses should resemble those of their hosts. Yet the DNA-replicating enzymes of T4 bear no relation to the enzymes in the bacteria they infect.

Answer 2

2