DEPENDOVIRUS Meaning and
Definition
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Dependovirus is a term used in virology to describe a specific genus of viruses belonging to the Parvoviridae family. These viruses have a unique characteristic of being dependent on other viruses, specifically adenoviruses or herpesviruses, to complete their life cycle and replicate.
Dependoviruses are classified as non-enveloped, single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) viruses with an icosahedral capsid. They are considered small in size, measuring approximately 22-26 nanometers in diameter. Their genome consists of a linear, non-segmented DNA molecule of approximately 4.7-5.3 kilobases, encoding several essential genes.
One of the distinguishing features of dependoviruses is their inability to complete their replication cycle without the presence of a helper virus. They utilize the co-infection strategy, relying on the replication machinery and functions of the helper virus to replicate their own genetic material, transcribe viral proteins, and form progeny virions.
Dependoviruses are not typically associated with significant pathogenicity or disease in humans and animals. In fact, they are often considered nonpathogenic or have mild effects on their host organisms. However, these viruses have gained significant interest in the field of gene therapy due to their potential as viral vectors for delivering therapeutic genes into target cells.
In summary, dependovirus refers to a unique genus of small, non-enveloped viruses that cannot complete their life cycle without the assistance of a helper virus. They have important implications in the field of gene therapy and have shown promise as viral vectors for delivering therapeutic genes into cells.
Common Misspellings for DEPENDOVIRUS
- sependovirus
- xependovirus
- cependovirus
- fependovirus
- rependovirus
- eependovirus
- dwpendovirus
- dspendovirus
- ddpendovirus
- drpendovirus
- d4pendovirus
- d3pendovirus
- deoendovirus
- delendovirus
- de-endovirus
- de0endovirus
- depwndovirus
- depsndovirus
- depdndovirus
- deprndovirus
Etymology of DEPENDOVIRUS
The word "Dependovirus" is derived from two parts: "Dependo" and "virus".
- "Dependo" is derived from the Latin word "dependere", which means "to hang down" or "to depend upon". In this context, it signifies the dependence of the virus on a helper virus known as an adenovirus for replication.
- "Virus" comes from the Latin word "virus" or "vīrus", which originally referred to venom or poisonous substances. Over time, it has come to represent infectious agents or microorganisms that can cause diseases.
Thus, the term "Dependovirus" describes a group of viruses that rely on adenoviruses to complete their life cycle and infect host cells.
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