Pseudoviridae

Pseudoviridae is a family of viruses that infect bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes. The family is named after the Greek word pseudos, meaning "false", due to the viruses' ability to mimic the properties of other viruses.

Taxonomy

The family Pseudoviridae is divided into two subfamilies: Pseudovirinae and Hemivirus. These subfamilies are further divided into several genera and species.

Structure

Pseudoviridae viruses are non-enveloped, with icosahedral and round geometries. The diameter is around 22-30 nm. Genomes are linear and non-segmented, around 5kb in length.

Life Cycle

Viral replication is cytoplasmic. Entry into the host cell is achieved by penetration into the host cell. Replication follows the ssDNA rolling circle model. DNA-templated transcription, with some alternative splicing mechanism is the method of transcription. The virus exits the host cell by nuclear pore export, and viroporins. Bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes serve as the natural host.

Clinical Significance

Pseudoviridae viruses are not known to cause disease in humans. However, they are used in scientific research as vectors for gene therapy and molecular biology studies.

See Also

• Virus classification
• Viral replication
• Gene therapy

References

Pseudoviridae Resources
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