Avsunviroidae (taxid:185752)

VIRION

Capsidless: Viroids do not code for proteins and therefore cannot build a virion structure.

GENOME

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Circular, ssRNA genome of 246-375 bases. Most of the genome displays complementary strands. Replication occurs by symmetric rolling circle. This family is distinguished by the ability to self-cleave through hammerhead ribozymes.

REPLICATION

CHLOROPLAST

  1. Viroid infects cell presumably through cell-to-cell transport and/or injection by insects.
  2. The viroid genomic RNA is transported to the chloroplast.
  3. Symmetric rolling circle replication
  4. New genomes exit the cell presumably using cell-to-cell transport and/or feeding by insects.