| Poliovirus | |
|---|---|
| |
| TEM micrograph of poliovirus virions. Scale bar (white): 50 nm | |
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| A type 3 poliovirus capsid, protein side chains coloured | |
Virus 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.
- ^ Ryan KJ, Ray CG, eds. (2004). Sherris Medical Microbiology (4th ed.). McGraw Hill. ISBN 978-0-8385-8529-0.[page needed]
- ^ 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.
- ^ Goodsell DS (1998). The machinery of life. New York: Copernicus. ISBN 978-0-387-98273-1.[page needed]