What are the characteristics of dsDNA viruses like poxviruses?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the characteristics of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) viruses, specifically poxviruses, and presents multiple choices to select from.
Answer
Poxviruses are large, complex dsDNA viruses that replicate in the cytoplasm.
Poxviruses are large, enveloped, and complex double-stranded DNA viruses. They have a unique ability to replicate entirely in the cytoplasm, contrary to most DNA viruses. Their DNA genomes are linked at the ends, forming a continuous chain. They infect both vertebrate and invertebrate species.
Answer for screen readers
Poxviruses are large, enveloped, and complex double-stranded DNA viruses. They have a unique ability to replicate entirely in the cytoplasm, contrary to most DNA viruses. Their DNA genomes are linked at the ends, forming a continuous chain. They infect both vertebrate and invertebrate species.
More Information
Interestingly, unlike most viruses, poxviruses can fully replicate and assemble in the host cell's cytoplasm due to having all the necessary enzymes and proteins.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming all DNA viruses replicate in the nucleus. Poxviruses are an exception as they replicate in the cytoplasm.
Sources
- Poxviridae - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- Poxviruses - Medical Microbiology - NCBI Bookshelf - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 9.11G: Double-Stranded DNA Viruses - Pox Viruses - bio.libretexts.org
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