Source of Stability (IMAGE) Rockefeller University Caption Remnants of viruses, called retrotransposons, jumped around more frequently within the genomes of cells lacking the histone variant H3.3. These cells also had more abnormalities in their chromosomes (circles above), and researchers speculate H3.3 may help prevent potentially damaging alterations such as these. Credit Laura Banaszynski Usage Restrictions This image may be used only to illustrate the research described in the accompanying release. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.