Just like we test
hypotheses about the functions of genes in genetic networks by knocking them out and replacing them, we need methods to selectively remove or inhibit specific
microbes or metabolisms in microbial networks to determine their roles,» Brodie added.
In addition, recent findings
about large DNA viruses have led to
hypotheses about the role of RNA and DNA viruses as precursors to single - celled
microbes with and without nuclei, and giant viruses as the descendants of eukaryotes through reductive evolution (Charles Siebert, Discover, March 2006; and GiantVirus.org).