Virusoid
Virusoid
Virusoid (pronunciation: /ˈvʌɪrəsɔɪd/) is a type of subviral agent that is similar to a virus, but lacks the protein coat that is typically found in viruses.
Etymology
The term "virusoid" is derived from the word "virus" and the suffix "-oid", which means "resembling" or "like". Thus, a virusoid is something that resembles a virus.
Definition
A virusoid is a single-stranded, circular RNA molecule that does not code for any proteins and is not encapsidated. Virusoids are dependent on a helper virus for replication and are found in the plant kingdom. They are also known as satellite RNAs.
Related Terms
- Virus: A type of infectious agent that can only replicate inside the cells of a host organism.
- Subviral agent: A type of infectious agent that is smaller and simpler than a virus.
- RNA: Ribonucleic acid, a molecule similar to DNA that plays an essential role in coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.
- Satellite RNA: A type of subviral agent that depends on the coinfection of a host cell with a helper virus for its replication.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Virusoid
- Wikipedia's article - Virusoid
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