Group Group I (dsDNA) Order Caudovirales | Rank Subfamily | |
Similar Podoviridae, Caudovirales, N4likevirus | ||
Picovirinae is a subfamily of viruses in the order Caudovirales, in the family Podoviridae. Bacteria serve as natural hosts. There are currently nine species in this subfamily, divided among 2 genera.
Contents
Taxonomy
Group: dsDNA
Two bacteriophages in this family have been found to infect and lyse Clostridium perfringens. Another virus (Weissella phage phiYS61) that has been isolated is so unlike the known members that it may belong to a new genus.
Structure
Viruses in Picovirinae are non-enveloped, with icosahedral and head-tail geometries, and T=3 symmetry. The diameter is around 54 nm. Genomes are linear, double stranded DNA, and are relatively small (between 16-20 kbp)-hence the term pico-virinae.
Life Cycle
Viral replication is cytoplasmic. Entry into the host cell is achieved by adsorption into the host cell. Replication follows the DNA strand displacement model. DNA-templated transcription is the method of transcription. Bacteria serve as the natural host. Transmission routes are passive diffusion. They also use a typical protein primed DNA polymerase for replication, a property shared with the Tectiviridae family.