Spounavirinae


Spounavirinae is a subfamily of viruses in the family Herelleviridae. Bacteria serve as natural hosts. There are currently five species in this subfamily, divided among 2 genera.

Taxonomy

The subfamily has two genera:Okubovirus
  • ''Siminovitchvirus''

Structure

Viruses in the subfamily Spounavirinae are non-enveloped, with icosahedral and Head-tail geometries, and T=16 symmetry. The diameter is around 84-94 nm, with a length of 140-219 in length, contractile with globular structures at its tip, has 6 long terminal fibers, 6 short spikes and a double base platenm. Genomes are circular, around 130-160kb in length. The genome codes for 190 to 230 proteins.

Life cycle

Viral replication is cytoplasmic. Entry into the host cell is achieved by adsorption into the host cell. DNA-templated transcription is the method of transcription. Bacteria serve as the natural host. Transmission routes are passive diffusion.