Autographiviridae

Autographiviridae

The Autographiviridae is a family of bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect bacteria. This family is characterized by its members having a non-enveloped, icosahedral capsid and a linear, double-stranded DNA genome. Autographiviridae is part of the order Caudovirales, which includes other families of tailed bacteriophages.

Taxonomy

The family Autographiviridae is divided into several genera, each containing multiple species. The classification is based on genetic similarities and differences, particularly in the sequences of the RNA polymerase gene, which is a key feature of these viruses.

Genera

Some of the recognized genera within the Autographiviridae family include:

• T7likevirus
• SP6likevirus
• K1Flikevirus

Each genus is named after a well-studied representative bacteriophage, such as Bacteriophage T7 for the T7likevirus genus.

Structure

Autographiviridae phages have a simple structure typical of tailed bacteriophages. They possess:

• An icosahedral head, which contains the viral DNA.
• A short, non-contractile tail, which is used to inject the viral genome into the host bacterium.

The capsid is composed of protein subunits that form a protective shell around the genetic material.

Genome

The genome of Autographiviridae phages is linear and double-stranded, typically ranging from 30 to 50 kilobase pairs in length. The genome encodes all the proteins necessary for the phage to replicate within its bacterial host, including its own RNA polymerase, which is a distinctive feature of this family.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Autographiviridae phages follows the typical lytic cycle of bacteriophages:

1. Attachment: The phage attaches to specific receptors on the surface of the host bacterium. 2. Penetration: The phage injects its DNA into the host cell. 3. Replication: The phage DNA is replicated using the host's machinery, and phage proteins are synthesized. 4. Assembly: New phage particles are assembled from the replicated DNA and synthesized proteins. 5. Lysis: The host cell is lysed, releasing new phage particles to infect other bacteria.

Applications

Autographiviridae phages have been studied for their potential use in phage therapy, which is the use of bacteriophages to treat bacterial infections. Their specificity for bacterial hosts makes them a promising alternative to antibiotics, especially in the face of rising antibiotic resistance.

Also see

• Bacteriophage
• Caudovirales
• Phage therapy
• RNA polymerase

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