Double-stranded RNA virus

Double-stranded RNA virus (dsRNA virus) is a type of virus that has double-stranded RNA (Ribonucleic acid) as its genetic material. This is in contrast to the majority of viruses, which have single-stranded RNA or double-stranded DNA.

Classification

Double-stranded RNA viruses belong to the class Orthornavirae. Within this class, they are further divided into several orders and families. The most well-known family of dsRNA viruses is Reoviridae, which includes viruses that infect humans, animals, plants, and even fungi.

Structure

The structure of dsRNA viruses is complex. They have a capsid that is icosahedral in shape, and the RNA is arranged in segments within the capsid. The number of segments can vary between different types of dsRNA viruses.

Replication

The replication of dsRNA viruses is unique among viruses. The viral RNA is not released into the host cell's cytoplasm as is typical with other viruses. Instead, the replication occurs within the capsid. This is because the host cell's defenses would otherwise degrade the viral RNA.

Diseases

Double-stranded RNA viruses are responsible for a number of diseases in humans and other organisms. For example, the Rotavirus, a member of the Reoviridae family, is a major cause of severe diarrhea in children. Other dsRNA viruses, such as the Bluetongue virus, can cause disease in animals.

See also

• Virus classification
• Viral replication
• Viral diseases