Lipothrixviridae. Lipothrixviridae

Description of Lipothrixviridae adapted from ICTVdb Virion Properties Morphology Virions consist of an envelope and a nucleocapsid. Virus capsid is enveloped. Virions are rod-shaped and rigid, have protrusions extending from the core through the envelope that arise asymmetrically from both ends. Virions measure 24-38 nm in diameter and 410-1950 nm in length with a tight fitting membrane. The envelope has no surface projections. Capsid/nucleocapsid is elongated and exhibits helical symmetry. The core is helical. Physicochemical and Physical Properties Virions have a buoyant density in CsCl of 1.25 g cm-3. Nucleic Acid The genome is not segmented and contains a single molecule of linear double-stranded DNA. The complete genome is 16000 nucleotides long. Proteins The viral genome encodes structural proteins, non-structural proteins, and proteins found only in infected host cell. Lipids Lipids are present and located in the envelope. The composition of viral lipids and host cell membranes are identical. The lipids are of host origin and are derived from host cell membranes. Lipids in the viral membrane have a bilayer structure. Viral membranes include glycolipids and phospholipids, di-phytanyl tetraethers lipids; the phosphate residues of phospholipids are oriented towards the inside of the particle; the glycosyl residues of glycolipids are oriented towards the outside of the particle.