Metaviridae

Metaviridae is a family of retroviruses that includes the genera Metavirus and Errantivirus. These viruses are characterized by their reverse transcription process, which involves the conversion of their RNA genome into DNA by the enzyme reverse transcriptase. This DNA is then integrated into the host cell's genome, allowing the virus to replicate.

Structure and Genome[edit | edit source]

Members of the Metaviridae family are enveloped viruses with spherical to pleomorphic shapes. Their capsid is a icosahedron, a shape with 20 faces, each of which is an equilateral triangle. The diameter of the virus particles ranges from 80 to 100 nm.

The genome of Metaviridae is monopartite, linear, and non-segmented. It is composed of single-stranded RNA, which is positive-sense (meaning it can be directly translated into protein). The genome contains two open reading frames (ORFs), which encode for the gag protein and the pol protein.

Replication[edit | edit source]

Replication of Metaviridae occurs through the process of reverse transcription. The virus enters the host cell and the reverse transcriptase enzyme converts the viral RNA into DNA. This DNA is then integrated into the host cell's genome, where it can be transcribed and translated to produce new virus particles.

Pathogenicity[edit | edit source]

While some members of the Metaviridae family are pathogenic, causing diseases in their hosts, others are endogenous retroviruses, meaning they are permanently integrated into the host genome and are usually harmless. However, they can become active under certain conditions and cause disease.

References[edit | edit source]

Metaviridae Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.