![not so selfish after all viruses use freeloading genes as weapons](https://utterbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/not-so-selfish-after-all-viruses-use-freeloading-genes-as-weapons-640x335.jpg)
Certain pieces of DNA have been labeled as ‘selfish genetic elements’ due to notions that they don’t contribute to a host organism’s survival. Instead, researchers have now discovered that these elements have been weaponized and play a crucial role by cutting off a competitor’s ability to reproduce.