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Related Concept Videos

Viral Mutations00:36

Viral Mutations

A mutation is a change in the sequence of bases of DNA or RNA in a genome. Some mutations occur during replication of the genome due to errors made by the polymerase enzymes that replicate DNA or RNA. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase is prone to errors because it is not capable of “proofreading” its work. Viruses with RNA-based genomes, like HIV, therefore accrue mutations faster than viruses with DNA-based genomes. Because mutation and recombination provide the raw material for adaptive...
Viruses with RNA Genomes01:29

Viruses with RNA Genomes

RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...
Retrovirus Life Cycles01:10

Retrovirus Life Cycles

Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
Retroviruses02:33

Retroviruses

Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...
Evolution of Microbial Genome01:08

Evolution of Microbial Genome

Microbial genome evolution is a highly dynamic process shaped by continual gene gain and loss across species and strains. This genomic flexibility allows microorganisms to adapt rapidly to environmental pressures and interactions with other organisms. Central to understanding this diversity is the distinction between the core and pan genomes.The core genome comprises the genes shared by all sampled strains of a species, representing essential functions needed for fundamental cellular processes.
Size and Structure of Viral Genomes01:26

Size and Structure of Viral Genomes

Viral genomes exhibit remarkable diversity in size, structure, and composition, influencing their replication strategies and interactions with host cells. These genomes consist of either DNA or RNA and may be linear or circular. Additionally, they can be single-stranded or double-stranded, with each configuration affecting how the virus propagates within a host. RNA viruses, for instance, generally have smaller genomes than DNA viruses, a factor that contributes to their high mutation rates and...

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Modeling The Lifecycle Of Ebola Virus Under Biosafety Level 2 Conditions With Virus-like Particles Containing Tetracistronic Minigenomes
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Virus evolution: how far does the double beta-barrel viral lineage extend?

Mart Krupovic1, Dennis H Bamford

  • 1Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Biotechnology, Biocenter 2, PO BOX 56 (Viikinkaari 5), 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland.

Nature Reviews. Microbiology
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Summary

Structural similarities among viruses infecting all domains of life are astonishing. This study proposes a new virosphere organization based on structural relationships, moving beyond current virus classification systems.

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Isolation of Fidelity Variants of RNA Viruses and Characterization of Virus Mutation Frequency
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Published on: June 16, 2011

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Structural Biology
  • Bioinformatics

Background:

  • Viruses infecting archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes exhibit surprising structural commonalities.
  • Existing virus classification systems do not fully capture these inter-domain structural relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a novel framework for organizing the virosphere.
  • To re-evaluate virus classification based on structural features.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of structural data for major capsid proteins (vertical beta-barrel).
  • Examination of ATPases involved in viral genome packaging.
  • Comparative structural analysis across different virus families and host domains.

Main Results:

  • Identified conserved structural elements, such as the vertical beta-barrel major capsid proteins.
  • Demonstrated the utility of structural comparisons for classifying viruses.
  • Highlighted the potential for a unified structural classification system for viruses.

Conclusions:

  • Structural similarities provide a basis for a new, more comprehensive virosphere organization.
  • Re-evaluation of virus classification using structural data is crucial.
  • This approach can reveal deeper evolutionary connections between viruses.