Prasinovirus is a genus of large double-stranded DNA viruses, in the family Phycodnaviridae that infect phytoplankton in the Prasinophyceae. There are three groups in this genus,[1][2] including Micromonas pusilla virus SP1, which infects the cosmopolitan photosynthetic flagellate Micromonas pusilla.[3]
There is a large group of genetically diverse but related viruses that show considerable evidence of lateral gene transfer.[4][5]
Taxonomy
Venn diagram of shared coding sequences (CDS) of four MpVs and M. pusilla UTEX LB991, based on clusters by 0.5 amino acid identity. Dashed circles represent host genes shared with viruses [5].
Schematic drawing of a typical Phycodnaviridae virion (cross section and side view)
Viruses in Prasinovirus are enveloped, with icosahedral and round geometries, and T=169 symmetry. The diameter is around 104-118 nm.[1]
Genus
Structure
Symmetry
Capsid
Genomic arrangement
Genomic segmentation
Prasinovirus
Icosahedral
T=169
Enveloped
Linear
Monopartite
Life cycle
Viral replication is nucleo-cytoplasmic. Replication follows the DNA strand displacement model. DNA templated transcription is the method of transcription. The virus exits the host cell by lysis via lytic phospholipids. Alga serve as the natural host. Transmission routes are passive diffusion.[1]
