Levivirus
Levivirus is a genus of positive-strand RNA viruses, in the family Leviviridae. Enterobacteria serve as natural hosts.[1] There are currently only two species in this genus including the type species Escherichia virus MS2.[2]
Levivirus | |
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Bacteriophage MS2 virion and genome with genes mat, cp, lys, and rep | |
Virus classification ![]() | |
(unranked): | Virus |
Realm: | Riboviria |
Kingdom: | Orthornavirae |
Phylum: | Lenarviricota |
Class: | Allassoviricetes |
Order: | Levivirales |
Family: | Leviviridae |
Genus: | Levivirus |
Type species | |
Escherichia virus MS2 |
Structure
Viruses in Levivirus are non-enveloped, with icosahedral and Spherical geometries, and T=3 symmetry. The capsid diameter is around 26 nm.[2]
Genome
Leviviruses have a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA genome. The genome is linear and non-segmented and around 3.5kb in length. The genome codes for four proteins, which are the coat, replicase, maturation, and lysis protein.[2]
Life cycle
Entry into the host cell is achieved by adsorption into the host cell. Replication follows the positive-strand RNA virus replication model. Positive-strand RNA virus transcription is the method of transcription. Translation takes place by suppression of termination. The virus exits the host cell by bacteria lysis. Enterobacteria serve as the natural host.[2]
Taxonomy
The genus Levivirus has two species:[1]
- Levivirus
- Escherichia virus BZ13
- Escherichia virus MS2
References
- International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). "Virus Taxonomy: 2019 Release". talk.ictvonline.org. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
- "Levivirus ~ ViralZone page". viralzone.expasy.org. Retrieved 2 September 2020.