VIRION
Non-enveloped, rod of filaments of 230-280 nm long and 10-15 nm in diameter.
GENOME
Circular, ssDNA genome (+) of 7.8 to 8.4 kb encoding for 10 to 12 proteins. Replication occurs via dsDNA intermediate and may involve replicative transposition
GENE EXPRESSION
Each gene is transcribed by host cellular machinery, via a specific promoter. Some genes end by a transcription terminator.
ENZYMES
- Integrase/transposase? [ORF3]
REPLICATION
CYTOPLASMIC
- Viral protein mediates binding to host membrane.
- The proteins of the capsid perform the injection of the viral DNA through bacterial membranes into cell cytoplasm.
- Host polymerase convert the (+)ssDNA viral genome into a covalently closed dsDNA called replicative form DNA (RF).
- dsDNA transcription by host RNA polymerase gives rise to viral mRNAs.
- Viral genome is integrated into host chromosome
- Replication would occur by replicative transposition.
- New (+)ssDNA genomes are converted into new RF molecules, and further transcription occurs.
- New genomes are synthesized
- Assembly of the viral capsid.
- New virions are secreted from host cell.