Clavaviridae

Clavaviridae is a family of viruses that infect fungus. The family name is derived from the Latin clava, meaning "club", which refers to the unique club-shaped appearance of the virus particles.

Taxonomy

The family Clavaviridae is divided into two genera: Alphavirus and Betavirus. Each genus contains several species of viruses, all of which infect different types of fungi.

Structure

Viruses in the Clavaviridae family are non-enveloped and have a rod-shaped morphology. The virus particles are unique in their club-shaped appearance, which is where the family gets its name. The capsids are helical and composed of a single type of protein.

Genome

The genomes of Clavaviridae viruses are linear, single-stranded RNA. The genome size varies between species, but is typically around 2.5 to 3.0 kilobases in length.

Replication

Clavaviridae viruses replicate in the cytoplasm of the host cell. The virus enters the host cell by endocytosis, and the RNA genome is then released into the cytoplasm. The genome is translated into protein, which is then assembled into new virus particles.

Pathogenicity

Clavaviridae viruses are pathogenic to fungi, causing various diseases. The severity of the disease depends on the specific virus and the host species. Some viruses in this family are used in biological control of fungal diseases.

See also

• Virus classification
• Viral replication
• Viral pathogenesis