Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Size and Structure of Viral Genomes

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...

Viral Structure

Viral Structure

Viruses are extraordinarily diverse in shape and size, but they all have several structural features in common. All viruses have a core that contains a DNA- or RNA-based genome. The core is surrounded by a protective coat of proteins called the capsid. The capsid is composed of subunits called capsomeres. The capsid and genome-containing core are together known as the nucleocapsid.

Viruses with RNA Genomes

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...

DNA Bacteriophages

DNA Bacteriophages

Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria, utilizing their genetic material to hijack host cellular machinery for replication. DNA bacteriophages employ single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) or double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genomes. These phages exhibit diverse replication strategies and host interactions, influencing their ecological roles and applications in biotechnology and medicine.ssDNA BacteriophagesssDNA phages, with their small genomes, utilize unique strategies to...

Introduction to Virus

Introduction to Virus

Viruses are unique biological entities that blur the boundary between living and non-living systems. Although they lack cellular structure and metabolic processes, they can exhibit characteristics of life when infecting a host. Their defining feature is a nucleic acid core, composed of either DNA or RNA, encapsulated within a protein coat called a capsid. This simple structure allows them to invade host cells and use their machinery for replication efficiently.Viral Structure and...

Viruses of Archaea

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...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

A distinct E dimer epitope underlies selective recognition by a protective human West Nile virus antibody.

EMBO reports·2026

Same author

Asymmetric structural transitions in the icosahedral organization of Eastern equine encephalitis virus.

Nature communications·2026

Same author

Analysis of the heterogenous structural states of the hexameric ATPase PilU of the type IV pili from Vibrio cholerae.

Protein science : a publication of the Protein Society·2026

Same author

An RNA-to-RNA pipeline for rapid antiviral antibody development.

Molecular therapy : the journal of the American Society of Gene Therapy·2026

Same author

In situ structures of the portal-neck-tail complex of bacteriophage T4 inform a viral genome positioning mechanism.

Nature communications·2026

Same author

Analysis of the heterogenous structural states of the hexameric ATPase PilU of the Type IV pili from <i>Vibrio cholerae</i>.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology·2026

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 27, 2026

Combining Analysis of DNA in a Crude Virion Extraction with the Analysis of RNA from Infected Leaves to Discover New Virus Genomes

Combining Analysis of DNA in a Crude Virion Extraction with the Analysis of RNA from Infected Leaves to Discover New Virus Genomes

Published on: July 27, 2018

Structure of large dsDNA viruses.

Thomas Klose, Michael G Rossmann

Biological Chemistry

|July 9, 2014

Summary

Nucleocytoplasmic large dsDNA viruses (NCLDVs) are a diverse group of eukaryotic viruses. Some NCLDVs possess unique vertices for DNA transport during host infection.

Area of Science:

Virology
Molecular Biology
Genetics

Background:

Nucleocytoplasmic large dsDNA viruses (NCLDVs) represent a growing family of viruses infecting diverse eukaryotic hosts.
These viruses share core genes, including those for a major capsid protein forming an icosahedral structure.

Purpose of the Study:

To describe the structural and functional characteristics of Nucleocytoplasmic large dsDNA viruses (NCLDVs).
To highlight conserved features and unique adaptations within the NCLDV group.

Main Methods:

Comparative genomic analysis to identify shared and unique genes.
Structural analysis of viral capsid proteins.
Functional studies of viral infection mechanisms.

Main Results:

More Related Videos

Generation and Assembly of Virus-Specific Nucleocapsids of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Generation and Assembly of Virus-Specific Nucleocapsids of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Published on: July 27, 2021

Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes: A Functional Genomics Tool for the Study of Positive-strand RNA Viruses

Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes: A Functional Genomics Tool for the Study of Positive-strand RNA Viruses

Published on: December 29, 2015

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Apr 27, 2026

Combining Analysis of DNA in a Crude Virion Extraction with the Analysis of RNA from Infected Leaves to Discover New Virus Genomes

Combining Analysis of DNA in a Crude Virion Extraction with the Analysis of RNA from Infected Leaves to Discover New Virus Genomes

Published on: July 27, 2018

Generation and Assembly of Virus-Specific Nucleocapsids of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Generation and Assembly of Virus-Specific Nucleocapsids of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Published on: July 27, 2021

Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes: A Functional Genomics Tool for the Study of Positive-strand RNA Viruses

Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes: A Functional Genomics Tool for the Study of Positive-strand RNA Viruses

Published on: December 29, 2015

NCLDVs possess a double jelly-roll fold major capsid protein, forming an icosahedral capsid.
A double-layered membrane enclosing the viral genome is a common feature.
Specific NCLDV groups, like Mimiviridae and Phycodnaviridae, exhibit unique vertices for DNA delivery.

Conclusions:

The conserved capsid structure and genome packaging suggest a common evolutionary origin for NCLDVs.
Unique structures like specialized vertices indicate functional adaptations for host interaction and infection.
Further research into NCLDV diversity and mechanisms can provide insights into viral evolution and host-pathogen interactions.