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Additio\u00adnally, these genomes feature unique genes, often acquired through horizontal gene transfer, that are not found in other viruses and contribute to the viruses\u2019 ability to manipulate host metabolism and evade host defenses. A core set of genes conserved across different families of giant viruses is highlighted, serving as essential components for key life-cycle processes and providing valuable phylogenetic markers. The review also discusses the role of ORFans and virophages in contributing to the genetic diversity and evolutionary adaptation of these viruses. These findings are crucial for understanding the diversity, evolutionary mechanisms, and complex virus\u2013host interactions of giant viruses, as well as for developing more advanced classification systems. Furthermore, the potential biotechnological applications of unique viral genes and pathways are explored, underscoring the importance of ongoing research in this field.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.5114\/bta\/208621","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2025,9,12]],"date-time":"2025-09-12T07:19:17Z","timestamp":1757661557000},"source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":1,"title":["Molecular architecture of giant viruses infecting microbial eukaryotes (protists)"],"prefix":"10.5114","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-6098-1467","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Anhelina","family":"Kyrychenko","sequence":"first","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"3061","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2025,9,12]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref-1511973","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1038\/s41467-018-03168-1"},{"key":"ref-1511974","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1111\/jeu.12691"},{"key":"ref-1511975","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.egg.2023.100210"},{"key":"ref-1511976","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1007\/s00705-023-05906-3"},{"key":"ref-1511977","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pbio.3001430"},{"key":"ref-1511978","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.dnarep.2007.05.011"},{"key":"ref-1511979","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Barik S. 2018. 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