Mitovirus

Mitoviruses are a family of positive-strand RNA viruses that constitute the family Mitoviridae. Fungi serve as natural hosts. There are four genera in the family.[1][2]

Structure

Mitoviruses have no true virion. They do not have structural proteins or a capsid.[1]

Genome

Mitoviruses have nonsegmented, linear, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA genomes. The genome has one open reading frame which encodes the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). The genome is associated with the RdRp in the cytoplasm of the fungi host and forms a naked ribonucleoprotein complex.[1]

Life cycle

Viral replication is cytoplasmic. Replication follows the positive-strand RNA virus replication model. Positive-strand RNA virus transcription is the method of transcription. The virus exits the host cell by cell-to-cell movement. Fungi serve as the natural host. Transmission routes are parental and sexual.[1]

Taxonomy

The family contains four genera:[2]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Mitoviridae". ViralZone. Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
  2. ^ a b "Virus Taxonomy: 2024 Release". International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. Retrieved 4 May 2025.