Poliovirus

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Poliovirus
Virus classification
Group: ssRNA viruses IV Family: Picornaviridae Genus: Enterovirus Sero complex: Poliovirus

Description and significance

Poliovirus was first isolated by Karl Landersteiner and Erwin Popper in 1909.

Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why it is important enough to have its genome sequenced. Describe how and where it was isolated. Include a picture or two (with sources) if you can find them.

Genome structure

Poliovirus is made up of a RNA genome and a protein capsid. The genome is a single-strnded positive-sense RNA genome and it is approximately 7500 nucleotides long. The viral component is about 300 Angstrom in diameter with icosahdral symmetry. Polio virus is commonly known as the simplest significant virus because of its short genome and simple composition.

Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence? Does it have any plasmids? Are they important to the organism's lifestyle?

Cell structure and metabolism

Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.

Ecology

Describe any interactions with other organisms (included eukaryotes), contributions to the environment, effect on environment, etc.

Pathology

Poliovirus causes the viral disease, poliomyelitis. Poliomyelitis is an extremely infectious disease. Humans are the exclusive natural host for poliovirus. It cannot naturally infect other species. The virus takes over the nervous system and cause paralysis in hours. Poliovirus enters the body through the mouth and replicates in the intestine.

How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.

Application to Biotechnology

Does this organism produce any useful compounds or enzymes? What are they and how are they used?

References

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?mode=Info&id=138953&lvl=3&p=cdd&p=taxonomy&lin=f&keep=1&srchmode=1&unlock

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poliovirus

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ICTVdb/ICTVdB/00.052.0.01.001.htm

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?lvl=0&id=12080

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10618373

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=health&res=9A03E2D81739F933A1575AC0A963948260

http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/229/4720/1358