DNA virus
DNA Virus
A DNA virus is a type of virus that uses DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) as its genetic material and replicates using a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase. The nucleic acid is usually double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) but may also be single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). DNA viruses belong to either Group I or Group II of the Baltimore classification system for viruses.
Pronunciation: /diː.ɛnˈeɪ ˈvaɪrəs/
Etymology: The term "DNA virus" is derived from the type of genetic material (DNA) these viruses contain. "DNA" stands for "deoxyribonucleic acid," which is the molecule that carries genetic instructions in all living organisms and many viruses. The term "virus" comes from the Latin word "virus" meaning poison or venom.
Classification
DNA viruses are classified into two groups based on their replication mechanism:
- Group I: Double-stranded DNA viruses (dsDNA viruses)
- Group II: Single-stranded DNA viruses (ssDNA viruses)
Replication
DNA viruses replicate through the following process:
- The virus attaches to a host cell.
- The virus enters the cell and uncoats, releasing its DNA.
- The viral DNA is replicated using the host's DNA replication machinery.
- New virus particles are assembled and released from the host cell.
Examples
Examples of DNA viruses include:
- Herpesviruses: This family of viruses includes the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores and genital herpes, and the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles.
- Papillomaviruses: This family of viruses includes the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause warts and is associated with certain types of cancer.
- Adenoviruses: These viruses can cause a range of illnesses, from mild respiratory infections in young children to life-threatening multi-organ disease in people with a weakened immune system.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on DNA virus
- Wikipedia's article - DNA virus
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