Caulimoviridae
From MicrobeWiki, the student-edited microbiology resource
A Viral Biorealm page on the family Caulimoviridae
Contents |
Baltimore Classification
Higher order taxa
Viruses; Retro-transcribing viruses; Caulimoviridae
Genera
Caulimovirus, Badnavirus, Soymovirus, Cavemovirus, Tungrovirus, Petuvirus
Description and Significance
All plant pararetroviruses are classified as members of the Caulimoviridae family. These viruses are similar to retroviruses, but instead of having an RNA genome, pararetroviruses have a DNA genome. (source: Marmey et al.)
Genome Structure
The genome structure of a caulimoviridae is either non-segmented or segmented. Because of this, the genome either consists of a single molecule or two segments of open circular double-stranded DNA. The length of the complete genome is 6800-7400-8175 nucleotides. There are terminally redundant sequences on the genome, which have direct terminal repeats. The genome has between one and eight open reading frames (ORFs). (sources: ICTVdB, Stavolone et al.)
Virion Structure of a Caulimoviridae
Caulimoviridae virions consist of a non-enveloped capsid. The capsid is isometric or bacilliform and exhibits icosahedral symmetry. The capsid has a diameter of 35-47.52-50nm and a length of 60-900nm. (source: ICTVdB)
Reproduction Cycle of a Caulimoviridae in a Host Cell
The replication of a caulimoviridae involves the reverse transcription of an RNA intermediate.
Viral Ecology & Pathology
Viruses in the Caulimoviridae family infect plants. Arthropods are the transmission vector. The viruses are distributed worldwide. (source: ICTVdB)
References
ICTVdB - The Universal Virus Database, version 3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ICTVdb/ICTVdB/
