Most eukaryotic viruses release their genomes once they have entered host cells through endocytosis, pinocytosis or phagocytosis, whereas bacteriophages typically eject their DNA after they have attached to, and penetrated, the host membrane. A recent study of Paramecium bursaria chlorella virus 1 (PBCV1) reported that the algal virus uses a bacteriophage-like entry pathway. The authors observed that the binding of PBCV1 to host membranes induces the formation of a tunnel through which the viral DNA translocates into the cytoplasm. Once there, the genome condenses prior to being rapidly transported to the nucleus. DNA condensation has been proposed to be an important pulling force during bacteriophage genome ejection. Together, these observations imply that mechanisms that are considered to be unique to prokaryotic viruses could be more widespread in the tree of life than previously thought.