DNA virus
DNA virus is a type of virus that uses DNA as its genetic material and replicates using a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase. The group is divided into families depending on their genome (double-stranded DNA, single-stranded DNA, etc.) and the method of replication.
Overview[edit]
DNA viruses belong to either Group I or Group II of the Baltimore classification system for viruses. They include both double-stranded (ds) DNA viruses (e.g., Herpesviridae) and single-stranded (ss) DNA viruses (e.g., Parvoviridae).
Replication[edit]
The replication cycle of DNA viruses is complex and involves several stages. These include attachment, penetration, uncoating, replication, assembly, and release.
Attachment and Penetration[edit]
The virus attaches to the host cell using specific receptors on the surface. Following attachment, the virus penetrates the cell membrane and enters the cell.
Uncoating[edit]
Once inside the cell, the viral capsid is removed (uncoating), exposing the viral DNA to the cellular environment.
Replication[edit]
The viral DNA then enters the nucleus where it is replicated by the host's DNA polymerase.
Assembly and Release[edit]
Newly synthesized viral proteins are assembled into virions in the cytoplasm. The virions are then released from the cell, either by causing the cell to burst (lysis) or by budding off from the cell membrane.
Families of DNA Viruses[edit]
There are several families of DNA viruses that infect humans. These include:
Each of these families includes multiple species that cause various diseases in humans.
Diseases Caused by DNA Viruses[edit]
DNA viruses are responsible for a wide range of diseases in humans. These include:
- Common cold (Adenoviridae)
- Herpes (Herpesviridae)
- Warts (Papillomaviridae)
- Chickenpox and Shingles (Varicella-zoster virus, a species of Herpesviridae)
- Smallpox (Poxviridae)
See Also[edit]
Ad. Transform your health with W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep & MedSpa

Tired of being overweight?
Special offer:
Budget GLP-1 weight loss medications
- Semaglutide starting from $29.99/week and up with insurance for visit of $59.99 and up per week self pay.
- Tirzepatide starting from $45.00/week and up (dose dependent) or $69.99/week and up self pay
✔ Same-week appointments, evenings & weekends
Learn more:
- GLP-1 weight loss clinic NYC
- W8MD's NYC medical weight loss
- W8MD Philadelphia GLP-1 shots
- Philadelphia GLP-1 injections
- Affordable GLP-1 shots NYC
|
WikiMD Medical Encyclopedia |
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Content may be inaccurate or outdated and should not be used for diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical decisions. Verify information with trusted sources such as CDC.gov and NIH.gov. By using this site, you agree that WikiMD is not liable for any outcomes related to its content. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian


