Caulimoviridae

As Caulimoviridae refers to a family of para- retroviruses that cause harm especially plants. The representatives of the Caulimoviridae can be divided into two genera: The genus has an icosahedral symmetry Caulimovirus its protein shell ( capsid ) on. In contrast, are the representatives of the genus badnavirus bazillenähnlich ( bazilliform ), that is rod-shaped, built. Representatives of this family are responsible for economically important crops in viral diseases. So the Tungrovirus is ( Oryza sativa ) as one of the Badnaviren the polluter severe epidemics in rice, which are responsible for global high yield losses. Further damaged by representatives of Caulimoviridae crops, for example, sugar cane, cocoa trees or bananas.

Morphology

The representatives of the Caulimoviridae can be divided into two major groups that are morphologically distinguished: The representatives of the genus Caulimovirus have a three-layered protein shell ( capsid ) with icosahedral symmetry. The so constructed shell surrounding an interior space of about 25 nm in diameter.

The representatives of the badnavirus group, however, have a bazillenähnliche structure and are rod- shaped. Its length may vary from 60 to 900 nm, but is on average 130 nm and a diameter of 90 nm The structure of Badnaviren based on a icosahedral symmetry.

Genome

Also in the genome organization, the differences between these two main groups continue. Common to all representatives of a double-stranded DNA ( dsDNA) with approximately 7,000 to 8,000 base pairs. The genome of the caulimoviruses consists of one molecule of a double- dsDNA from 7.2 to 8.2 kbp, the open circular present in the virus particles. The genome of the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV ) in this case contains seven so-called open reading frame ( ORF), Petunia vein clearing virus-like only two ORF. In the genus badnavirus and its type species, Commelina yellow mottle virus ( ComYMV ), the genome is also as circular dsDNA before with 7.5 kbp and three ORF. After the successful entry into the host organism, the viral dsDNA genome of Caulimoviridae using a reverse transcriptase in RNA must be transcribed. This takes place at the above-mentioned representatives of both groups followed the same pattern.

Transmission

In the Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV ) and probably other caulimoviruses play aphids, especially the green peach aphid ( Myzus persicae ) and the Blumenkohllaus ( Brevycorine brassicae) a major role as animal vectors. In Badnaviren also leafhoppers or scale insects play a role as intermediaries animals. Transmission is done semipersistent and not zirkulativ. Further propagation possibilities are given by the usual methods of generative and vegetative propagation such as seed sowing or cuttings.

System

• Family Caulimoviridae genus Caulimovirus Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV ) type species

• Commelina yellow mottle virus ( ComYMV ) type species