Poliovirus

Poliovirus
TEM micrograph of poliovirus virions. Scale bar, 50 nm.
TEM micrograph of poliovirus virions. Scale bar (white): 50 nm
A type 3 poliovirus capsid coloured by chains
A type 3 poliovirus capsid, protein side chains coloured
Virus classification Edit this classification
(unranked): Virus
Realm: Riboviria
Kingdom: Orthornavirae
Phylum: Pisuviricota
Class: Pisoniviricetes
Order: Picornavirales
Family: Picornaviridae
Genus: Enterovirus
Species:
Virus:
Poliovirus
Serotypes

Poliovirus, the causative agent of polio (also known as poliomyelitis), is a serotype of the species Enterovirus C, in the family of Picornaviridae.[1] There are three poliovirus serotypes, numbered 1, 2, and 3.

Poliovirus is composed of an RNA genome and a protein capsid. The genome is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA (+ssRNA) genome that is about 7500 nucleotides long.[2] The viral particle is about 30 nm in diameter with icosahedral symmetry. Because of its short genome and its simple composition—only a strand of RNA and a nonenveloped icosahedral protein coat encapsulating it—poliovirus is widely regarded as the simplest significant virus.[3]

Poliovirus is one of the most well-characterized viruses, and has become a useful model system for understanding the biology of RNA viruses.

  1. ^ Ryan KJ, Ray CG, eds. (2004). Sherris Medical Microbiology (4th ed.). McGraw Hill. ISBN 978-0-8385-8529-0.[page needed]
  2. ^ Hogle JM (2002). "Poliovirus cell entry: common structural themes in viral cell entry pathways". Annual Review of Microbiology. 56: 677–702. doi:10.1146/annurev.micro.56.012302.160757. PMC 1500891. PMID 12142481.
  3. ^ Goodsell DS (1998). The machinery of life. New York: Copernicus. ISBN 978-0-387-98273-1.[page needed]