Image: Rossmann et al., PLoS Biology 2009
Image: Rossmann et al., PLoS Biology 2009
Mimivirus (Acanthamoeba polyphaga Mimivirus), the world's largest virus, was discovered by accident seventeen years ago living in an amoeba in an English water tower. At .5 microns in diameter, almost the size of a bacterium, this cross between a living and non-living entity has recently revealed to scientists some very unusual features that may help understand the process of evolution.
Using cryo-electron microscopy, researchers were able to examine the virus's surface closely and found several unexpected features including a starfish-shaped structure located on the capsid, its outer layer. This is suspected of being the site through which viral DNA is ejected into a host organism. Additionally, the capsid was covered in tiny holes whose function hasn't yet been determined.
Recently discovered within the genome of Mimivirus were many genes not previously found in viruses including some tRNA components known only in cellular organisms. Although the virus infects amoebas, antibodies have been found in pneumonia patients which gives rise to concerns that the virus may be pathogenic.
Mimivirus is the viral equivalent of a platypus – a partly eukaryotic, partly bacterial oddity which some scientists think might lead to a new classification.
Mimivirus is the viral equivalent of a platypus – a partly eukaryotic, partly bacterial oddity which some scientists think might lead to a new classification.
Sharon Edgley s4201745
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References:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T32-4J8M3D3-2&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=e6820a7d9e3b2d04a65620978d77
Mimivirus and the emerging concept of “giant” virus
Jean-Michel Claverie et alVirus ResearchVolume 117, Issue 1, April 2006 p133-144
Purdue University (2009, April 29). New Details About Mysterious Giant Virus Uncovered.
