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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...
Viral Recombination00:57

Viral Recombination

Cells are sometimes infected by more than one virus at once. When two viruses disassemble to expose their genomes for replication in the same cell, similar regions of their genomes can pair together and exchange sequences in a process called recombination. Alternatively, viruses with segmented genomes can swap segments in a process called reassortment.
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...
Viruses of Archaea01:29

Viruses of Archaea

Archaeal viruses play a crucial role in the ecosystems of extremophilic archaea, particularly those belonging to the phyla Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota. By shaping host evolution and facilitating gene transfer, these viruses influence microbial communities and contribute to genetic diversity in extreme environments. The archaea they infect thrive in acidic hot springs and hydrothermal vents characterized by high temperatures and low pH. Archaeal viruses exhibit remarkable structural...
Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift01:09

Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift

In a population that is not at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the frequency of alleles changes over time. Therefore, any deviations from the five conditions of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium can alter the genetic variation of a given population. Conditions that change the genetic variability of a population include mutations, natural selection, non-random mating, gene flow, and genetic drift (small population size).
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.

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Updated: May 21, 2026

Isolation of Fidelity Variants of RNA Viruses and Characterization of Virus Mutation Frequency
18:10

Isolation of Fidelity Variants of RNA Viruses and Characterization of Virus Mutation Frequency

Published on: June 16, 2011

Viral quasispecies evolution.

Esteban Domingo1, Julie Sheldon, Celia Perales

  • 1Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), C/ Nicolás Cabrera, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain. edomingo@cbm.uam.es

Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews : MMBR
|June 13, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

RNA viruses evolve as viral quasispecies, collections of mutants. Understanding this dynamic reveals virus adaptability and informs new antiviral strategies like lethal mutagenesis against pathogens such as HIV and hepatitis viruses.

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Last Updated: May 21, 2026

Isolation of Fidelity Variants of RNA Viruses and Characterization of Virus Mutation Frequency
18:10

Isolation of Fidelity Variants of RNA Viruses and Characterization of Virus Mutation Frequency

Published on: June 16, 2011

Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations
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Published on: February 3, 2023

Pairwise Growth Competition Assay for Determining the Replication Fitness of Human Immunodeficiency Viruses
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Published on: May 4, 2015

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • RNA virus evolution is characterized by mutant spectra, or viral quasispecies.
  • These quasispecies represent dynamic collections of closely related mutants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the origin and biological implications of the viral quasispecies concept.
  • To explore the role of mutant clouds in virus adaptability and selection.
  • To discuss antiviral strategies informed by quasispecies dynamics.

Main Methods:

  • Review of the quasispecies concept and its theoretical underpinnings.
  • Analysis of mutant spectra as reservoirs of phenotypic variants.
  • Examination of internal interactions within mutant clouds.
  • Case studies on human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus.

Main Results:

  • Viral quasispecies provide a framework for understanding virus adaptability and evolution.
  • Mutant clouds act as phenotypic reservoirs, enabling rapid adaptation.
  • Quasispecies dynamics identify viruses as ensembles and units of selection.
  • Lethal mutagenesis emerges as a viable antiviral strategy targeting viral fitness.

Conclusions:

  • The quasispecies theory offers crucial insights into RNA virus evolution and adaptability.
  • Understanding viral quasispecies has led to novel antiviral therapeutic approaches.
  • The quasispecies concept has broad applicability beyond virology.