Picovirinae


Picovirinae is a subfamily of viruses in the order Caudovirales, in the family Salasmaviridae. Bacteria serve as natural hosts. There are two genera and seven species in this subfamily.

Taxonomy

The following genera and species are recognized:

Structure

Viruses in Picovirinae are non-enveloped, with icosahedral or prolate heads of about 50–55 nm in diameter, and short tails. Genomes are linear, double stranded DNA, and are relatively small -hence the term pico-virinae. Picoviruses package linear, monomeric genomes with a terminal protein covalently attached to each end.

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.