Variola virus

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Virus classification
Group: x Family: x Genus: x Sero complex: x

Description and significance

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.

Variola virus is the cause of small pox and this believed to have emerged in human population around 10000 BC. To present day small pox is the only human disease that has been completely eradicated from the nature.

Genome structure

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?

Variola virus is a large brick shaped virus with a measurement of 302 to 350 nm by 244 to 277 nm, which consist of single linear double stranded DNA. It genome consist of 186 kbp and contain a hairpin loop at each end.

Cell structure and metabolism

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

Variola viruses are DNA viruses, which are unique because they replicate in cytoplasm instead of nucleus like other DNA viruses. They produce variety of specialized protein for replications, which are not produced by other DNA viruses. The most important of this protein are DNA-dependent RNA polymerase. There are two kinds of these viruses, which are enveloped and non-enveloped. The viral envelope also contain a specifies protein called hemagglutinin.

Ecology

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

Variola viruses attacks primarily human host but there are also other close relatives like vaccinia, cowpox, and monkey pox which could infect both humans and other animals.

Pathology

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?

Current Research

Enter summaries of the most recent research here--at least three required