Phycodnaviridae
| Phycodnaviridae | |
|---|---|
| Virus classification | |
| Group: | Group I (dsDNA) |
| Family: | Phycodnaviridae |
| Genera | |
Phycodnaviridae is a family of large (100–560kb) double stranded DNA (dsDNA) viruses that infect marine or freshwater eukaryotic algae. Viruses within this family are similar morphologically as all members possess an icosohedral capsid (polyhedron with 20 faces). There are currently 33 species in this family, divided among 6 genera. This family belongs to a super-group of large viruses known as nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses (NCLDVs). Recently, there is evidence that specific strains of Phycodnaviridae may infect humans rather than just algal species, as was previously believed. Most genera under this family enter the cell of the host by cell receptor endocytosis and replicate in the nucleus. Phycodnaviridae play important ecological roles by regulating the growth and productivity of their algal hosts. Algal species such Heterosigma akashiwo and the genus Chrysochromulina often form dense, noxious blooms which can be damaging to fisheries, resulting in huge losses in the aquaculture industry. The Heterosigma akashiwo virus has been implicated for use as a microbial agent to prevent the recurrence of toxic red tides produced by this algal species. Furthermore, Phycodnaviridae cause death and lysis of freshwater and marine algal species, liberating organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus into the water, providing nutrients for the microbial loop.
Group: dsDNA
The taxonomy of this family was initially based on host range: chloroviruses infect chlorella-like green algae from freshwaters; whereas, members of the other five genera infect marine microalgae and a some species of brown macroalgae. This was subsequently confirmed by analysis of their B-family DNA polymerases, which indicated that members of the Phycodnaviridae are more closely related to one another, in comparison to other dsDNA viruses, forming a monophyletic group. The phycodnaviruses contain six genera: Coccolithovirus, Chlorovirus, Phaeovirus, Prasinovirus, Prymnesiovirus and Raphidovirus. The genera can be distinguished from one another by, for example, differences in life cycle and gene content.
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