article_snippet.sent: This graphic shows how New archeal virus changes uses 'docking tips' - purple area - to infect bacteria .
article_snippet.sent: This is because New archeal virus actively causes one of New archeal virus own genes to mutate - allowing New archeal virus to develop new ways of coping with the ecosystem New archeal virus finds New archeal virus in.
article_snippet.sent: The researchers also found that a small genetic element - known as a diversity-generating retroelement - was able to accelerate mutation of a specific part of the virus's own genome.
article_snippet.sent: Paul Dr Blair Paul added: 'The target of guided mutation--the tips of the virus that make first contact when infecting a cell--is similar. '
article_snippet.sent: But the ability to mutate those tips is an offensive countermeasure against the cell's defenses, a move that resembles a molecular arms race.'
highlights_snippet.sent: New archeal virus has genes that speed up New archeal virus own mutation rate helping New archeal virus to adapt .
  