Globuloviridae

Globuloviridae is a family of viruses that infect archaeal hosts. The family was first proposed in 2019 and is currently recognized by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV).

Taxonomy

The family Globuloviridae consists of a single genus, Alphaglobulovirus, which in turn contains a single species, Halorubrum pleomorphic virus 6.

Virology

Globuloviridae viruses are characterized by their unique morphology. They have a spherical shape, which is unusual among archaeal viruses, most of which are either rod-shaped or spindle-shaped. The diameter of the virus particles is approximately 100 nm.

The viruses in this family have a enveloped, pleomorphic virion, which means that they can change shape and size in response to changes in their environment. The envelope is derived from the host cell membrane.

The genome of Globuloviridae viruses is made up of a single molecule of circular, double-stranded DNA. The genome is approximately 16 kilobases in length and encodes for about 25 proteins.

Life cycle

Globuloviridae viruses infect archaea in the genus Halorubrum. The exact mechanism of infection is not well understood, but it is thought to involve the binding of the virus to the host cell surface, followed by fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane.

Once inside the host cell, the virus replicates its DNA and assembles new virus particles. These are then released from the host cell by budding, a process that involves the virus acquiring its envelope from the host cell membrane.

Ecological and evolutionary significance

Globuloviridae viruses are found in hypersaline environments, such as salt lakes and salt pans. They play a role in the ecology of these environments by influencing the diversity and abundance of archaeal communities.

The unique morphology and life cycle of Globuloviridae viruses suggest that they have evolved independently from other archaeal viruses. This has implications for our understanding of virus evolution and the history of life on Earth.

See also

• Virus classification
• Virus life cycle
• Archaea