Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
08:56
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
11.4K
Binomial nomenclature for virus species: a long view
1Emeritus Faculty, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. adrian_j_gibbs@hotmail.com.
Archives of Virology
|October 7, 2020
Summary
Latinized binomial names (LBs) offer a sensible approach for formally naming virus species with known biological properties. The International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) should align LBs with biological classifications, avoiding uncoordinated taxonomy.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Taxonomy
- Nomenclature
Background:
- Historical proposals for Latinized binomial names (LBs) for virus species dating back a century remain relevant.
- Current virus taxonomy debates center on the utility and scope of applying LBs.
Discussion:
- LBs are most beneficial for naming virus taxa (species and genera) with well-characterized biological properties, including ecology, hosts, and virion structure.
- Applying LBs to incompletely described viruses or mere genetic sequences offers no discernible advantage and can clutter scientific literature.
- The International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) should uphold the established convention of linking LBs exclusively to biological (phylogenetic) classifications.
Key Insights:
- The validity of using LBs for virus nomenclature persists from earlier scientific discourse.
- A pragmatic application of LBs is recommended, focusing on viruses with established biological characteristics.
- Uncoordinated changes within the ICTV Taxonomy and its Code have created uncertainty regarding their objectives and intended audience.
Outlook:
- Future virus nomenclature should prioritize clarity and biological relevance in the application of Latinized binomials.
- Realigning the ICTV Taxonomy and Code is crucial for a coordinated and clearly defined system.
- The scientific community should engage in further discussion to refine the criteria for LB adoption in virology.
More Related Videos
11:12Protocols for Investigating the Host-tissue Distribution, Transmission-mode, and Effect on the Host Fitness of a Densovirus in the Cotton Bollworm
Published on: April 12, 2017
8.9K
08:40Production of Pseudotyped Particles to Study Highly Pathogenic Coronaviruses in a Biosafety Level 2 Setting
Published on: March 1, 2019
59.5K
Related Concept Videos
01:29Viruses with RNA Genomes
512
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...
512
00:56Viral Structure
72.7K
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.
72.7K
01:26Size and Structure of Viral Genomes
493
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...
493
01:28Introduction to Virus
841
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...
841
01:29Subviral Agents
348
Subviral agents are infectious entities that resemble viruses but lack one or more viral components, such as a capsid or essential replication machinery. These agents include viroids, prions, and satellites, each possessing distinct structural and functional characteristics that influence their mode of infection and replication.Viroids are the simplest subviral agents, consisting of circular, single-stranded RNA molecules without a protein coat. They exclusively infect plants, relying entirely...
348
01:29Viruses of Archaea
334
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...
334