purpose of viruses??

[Anh Nguyen]

In article <D2vqt7.8Mv at world.std.com>, marq at world.std.com (Mark A Lilly) wrote:

> I'm new here, and have read with interest the debates on the
> origins of viruses, and the questions as to whether they are
> alive or not.  My question is:  What are their purpose?
> 
> Is it to spread genetic material across the planet?  Is it to
> achieve hegemony over the planet (seems they already do...)?

I agree with you Mark. I would argue that the "purpose" of viruses, as
with all living organisms,is to propagate their genetic material. Viruses
are just a little more aggressive in their pursuit of this goal.

Rob J.

-- 
Anh Nguyen
anh_nguyen at macmailgw.dfci.harvard.edu