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Related Concept Videos

Retroviruses02:33

Retroviruses

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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’...
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Size and Structure of Viral Genomes01:26

Size and Structure of Viral Genomes

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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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Viruses with RNA Genomes01:29

Viruses with RNA Genomes

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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...
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Retrovirus Life Cycles01:10

Retrovirus Life Cycles

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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...
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Viral Recombination00:57

Viral Recombination

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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.
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Viral Mutations00:36

Viral Mutations

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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...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 1, 2025

Detection of the Genome and Transcripts of a Persistent DNA Virus in Neuronal Tissues by Fluorescent In situ Hybridization Combined with Immunostaining
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Alphaherpesvirus Genomics: Past, Present and Future.

Chad V Kuny1, Moriah L Szpara1

  • 1Departments of Biology, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA.

Current Issues in Molecular Biology
|November 7, 2020
PubMed
Summary

Alphaherpesviruses are not genetically stable, but exist as diverse populations, challenging previous assumptions. New genomic technologies reveal viral genetic differences linked to disease outcomes.

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Dec 1, 2025

Detection of the Genome and Transcripts of a Persistent DNA Virus in Neuronal Tissues by Fluorescent In situ Hybridization Combined with Immunostaining
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Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Genomics
  • Bioinformatics

Background:

  • Alphaherpesviruses were traditionally viewed as genetically stable and homogeneous.
  • Recent advancements in high-throughput sequencing (HTS) have challenged this notion.
  • Emerging data suggests herpesviruses exist as diverse populations, similar to RNA viruses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evolution of alphaherpesvirus genomics.
  • To discuss current technical challenges and recent findings in the field.
  • To explore future directions in herpesvirus genomics and its clinical implications.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature on alphaherpesvirus genomics.
  • Analysis of high-throughput sequencing data for viral populations.
  • Comparative genomics across different herpesvirus subfamilies and species.

Main Results:

  • Alphaherpesviruses exhibit significant genetic diversity, both in vitro and in vivo.
  • Genome-wide analyses reveal insights into sequence diversity, recombination, and allele frequencies.
  • Cell culture practices can introduce selective pressures influencing viral genomes.

Conclusions:

  • The understanding of alphaherpesvirus genomics has significantly advanced due to HTS.
  • Future research should focus on linking viral genetic variations to phenotypic traits and disease.
  • Continued technological development is crucial for overcoming challenges in herpesvirus genomics.