Alphaabyssovirus

Alphaabyssovirus is a genus of viruses in the order Caudovirales, in the family Podoviridae, and in the subfamily Autographivirinae. Viruses in Alphaabyssovirus are characterized by their ability to infect bacteria, specifically bacteria in the Pseudomonas genus.

Structure

Viruses in Alphaabyssovirus are non-enveloped, with icosahedral and Head-Tail geometries, and T=7 symmetry. The diameter is around 60 nm. Genomes are linear, around 40-42kb in length. The genome codes for 70 proteins.

Life Cycle

Viral replication is cytoplasmic. Entry into the host cell is achieved by adsorption into the host cell. DNA-templated transcription is the method of transcription. The virus exits the host cell by lysis, and holin/endolysin/spanin proteins are involved. Bacteria serve as the natural host. Transmission routes are passive diffusion.

Taxonomy

At present, there are 5 species in this genus including the type species Pseudomonas virus phiKMV. Diseases associated with this genus include: lysis of the bacterial host.

External links

• NCBI Taxonomy Browser, Alphaabyssovirus