DNA-Virus

As a DNA virus (plural DNA viruses, synonymous DNA virus ) refers to viruses whose genetic material ( genome) of DNA ( deoxyribonucleic acid Abbreviation for " deoxyribonucleic acid " ) is. DNA viruses is a non- taxonomic collective term that has no kinship references. The DNA is packaged in envelopes so that virus particles ( virions ) are produced. The DNA may be present in the viral double-stranded or single-stranded, the strand may consist of one piece ( non- segmented) or distributed to various pieces be ( segmented); Likewise, the DNA genome to be closed to form a ring ( circular) or be present as an open line ( linearly ). The genome of single-stranded DNA viruses (ssDNA for English single beach deoxyribonucleic acid) can have positive, negative or both polarities.

The genome DNA viruses is compared with RNA viruses usually less variable, and to environmental factors often very stable. This is due to the higher chemical stability of the DNA with respect to the RNA, and a lower rate of mutation, because the enzymes which are used for propagation of the DNA ( DNA polymerases ) have a proof-reading function. Important exception to this are the Hepadnaviridae, since the genome replication takes place (for example, hepatitis B virus) via an RNA intermediate and reverse transcription.

The DNA polymerase of DNA viruses may be encoded by the virus itself ( for example, in the family Herpesviridae ), or the virus may use cellular polymerases to multiply (e.g., with the Papillomaviridae ). The latter is excluded in RNA viruses, these always require their own viral polymerase for replication.

An overview of all genera and families of DNA viruses found as taxonomic nomenclature in virus taxonomy.

• Non - taxonomic group of viruses