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12/00-- Though further study is needed to analyze precisely how the DNA packaging motor functions, the scientists speculate it works something like this: As the virus enters a cell, it releases its genetic material, providing detailed instructions for the cell to make duplicate copies of the virus shell and motor structure. The cell also makes copies of the virus' DNA, which are fed into the newly developed shells by the DNA packaging motor. The newly assembled virus is then released from the host cell, and may then carry its genetic material to another host cell, causing infection and initiating the production of new viruses.
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