Rowavirales

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Rowavirales
Kingdom:	Riboviria
Phylum:
Class:
Order:	Rowavirales
Family:	'

Rowavirales is an order of viruses within the realm Riboviria. This order is characterized by its members having a double-stranded RNA genome. The viruses in this order are known to infect a wide range of hosts, including animals, plants, and fungi.

Taxonomy

The order Rowavirales is part of the realm Riboviria, which encompasses all RNA viruses that replicate via an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Within Rowavirales, there are several families, each containing multiple genera and species. The classification is based on genetic and structural characteristics of the viruses.

Families

Currently, the order Rowavirales includes the following families:

• Reoviridae
• Totiviridae
• Partitiviridae

Each family within Rowavirales has unique features and infects different types of hosts. For example, the family Reoviridae includes viruses that infect both plants and animals, while Totiviridae primarily infects fungi and protozoa.

Genome and Structure

Viruses in the order Rowavirales have a double-stranded RNA genome. The genome is typically segmented, which means it is divided into multiple pieces of RNA, each encoding different proteins. This segmentation can lead to genetic reassortment, a process that can generate new viral strains.

The virions of Rowavirales are non-enveloped and have an icosahedral capsid structure. The capsid is composed of multiple protein layers, providing protection to the viral genome and aiding in the infection process.

Replication Cycle

The replication cycle of Rowavirales viruses begins with the attachment of the virion to the host cell surface. Following attachment, the virus is internalized, and the double-stranded RNA genome is released into the host cell cytoplasm. The viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase then transcribes the viral RNA, producing mRNA for protein synthesis and new genomic RNA for progeny virions.

The assembly of new virions occurs in the cytoplasm, where the newly synthesized RNA segments are packaged into capsids. The mature virions are then released from the host cell, often causing cell lysis.

Pathogenesis and Host Interaction

Rowavirales viruses can cause a variety of diseases in their hosts. In humans and animals, they are responsible for respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. In plants, they can cause significant agricultural losses by affecting crop yield and quality.

The interaction between Rowavirales viruses and their hosts involves complex mechanisms of immune evasion and host cell manipulation. These viruses have evolved strategies to counteract host defenses, allowing them to establish persistent infections.

Research and Applications

Research on Rowavirales viruses has provided insights into viral evolution, host-pathogen interactions, and the development of antiviral therapies. Understanding the molecular biology of these viruses is crucial for developing vaccines and treatments for viral diseases.

Also see

• Riboviria
• Reoviridae
• Totiviridae
• RNA virus
• Virus classification