GAMMARETROVIRUSES Meaning and
Definition
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Gammaretroviruses are a class of retroviruses, belonging to the Retroviridae family and the Orthoretrovirinae subfamily. Retroviruses are RNA viruses that possess the unique ability to convert their RNA genome into DNA and integrate it into the host cell's DNA. Gammaretroviruses are characterized by their ability to infect a wide range of vertebrate species, including humans.
These viruses derive their name from their "gamma-type" classification within the Retroviridae family. They have a spherical shape and contain single-stranded RNA genomes that are around 8-10 kilobases in length. Gammaretroviruses are enveloped viruses, meaning they have an outer lipid envelope that surrounds their protein capsid.
In terms of pathogenicity, gammaretroviruses have been associated with various diseases in animals and humans. For instance, they are known to cause leukemia, sarcoma, and immunodeficiency disorders, among others. One well-known example of a gammaretrovirus is the Moloney murine leukemia virus (MMLV), which has played a significant role in cancer research.
The replication cycle of gammaretroviruses involves several steps, such as attachment and entry into the host cell, reverse transcription of the viral RNA into DNA, integration of the viral DNA into the host genome, transcription of viral genes, assembly, and release of new viral particles.
In summary, gammaretroviruses are a class of retroviruses capable of converting their RNA genome into DNA and integrating it into the host cell's DNA. They have been implicated in various diseases and are characterized by their ability to infect a wide range of vertebrate species.
Common Misspellings for GAMMARETROVIRUSES
- fammaretroviruses
- vammaretroviruses
- bammaretroviruses
- hammaretroviruses
- yammaretroviruses
- tammaretroviruses
- gzmmaretroviruses
- gsmmaretroviruses
- gwmmaretroviruses
- gqmmaretroviruses
- ganmaretroviruses
- gakmaretroviruses
- gajmaretroviruses
- gamnaretroviruses
- gamkaretroviruses
- gamjaretroviruses
- gammzretroviruses
- gammsretroviruses
- gammwretroviruses
- gammqretroviruses
Etymology of GAMMARETROVIRUSES
The word "Gammaretroviruses" combines two main components:
1. Gamma: The term "gamma" refers to the third letter of the Greek alphabet (Γ, γ), and in various contexts, it can indicate the third element in a series or a position following alpha and beta. In the classification of retroviruses, viruses belonging to the gamma subgroup are designated by this name.
2. Retroviruses: The term "retroviruses" originates from the Latin word "retro" meaning "backward" and the English word "virus". Retroviruses are a family of RNA viruses that possess the unique ability to transcribe their RNA genome into DNA using a reverse transcriptase enzyme. This reverse transcription allows them to integrate their genetic material into the host's DNA.
Therefore, the word "Gammaretroviruses" signifies retroviruses that belong to the gamma subgroup.
