VIRION
Capsidless: Viroids do not code for proteins and therefore cannot build a virion structure.
GENOME
Circular, ssRNA(-) genome of 240-400 b. Most of the genome displays complementary strands. This family is distinguished by a central conserved region (CCR) and lacks the ability to self-cleave through hammerhead structures. Replication occurs by assymmetric rolling circle.
REPLICATION
NUCLEAR
- Viroid infects cell presumably through cell-to-cell transport and/or injection by insects.
- The viroid genomic RNA is transported to the nucleus.
- Assymmetric rolling circle replication
- New genomes exit the cell presumably using cell-to-cell transport and/or feeding by insects.