MICROVIRUS Meaning and
Definition
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A microvirus is a type of virus that is extremely small in size, typically measuring about 20-30 nanometers in diameter. These viruses belong to the family of Parvoviridae and are recognized for their unique characteristics and biological properties. Microviruses are non-enveloped viruses, meaning they lack a lipid envelope surrounding their protein capsid, which is the protective outer shell of the virus. This absence of an envelope makes them more resistant to environmental factors such as heat and drying.
Microviruses primarily infect bacteria and are referred to as bacteriophages. Bacteriophages are viruses that target bacterial cells as their hosts, reproducing within them and ultimately causing their lysis or destruction. Microviruses have a single-stranded DNA genome, capable of infecting a wide range of bacterial species. They attach to specific receptor sites on the bacterial cell surface, injecting their genetic material into the host cell. Within the infected bacterial cell, the viral genome takes control of the host's cellular machinery, resulting in the production of more microviruses.
Microviruses are known for their ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions, allowing them to persist on surfaces and within host organisms. Their small size and simple structure make them particularly resistant to detergents, ultraviolet radiation, and many sterilization methods. Therefore, microviruses pose a concern in various sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and food industries, as they can lead to bacterial infections and disease outbreaks.
In conclusion, microviruses are extremely small, non-enveloped viruses that primarily infect bacteria. They have a single-stranded DNA genome and are notable for their resistance to environmental factors.
Common Misspellings for MICROVIRUS
- nicrovirus
- kicrovirus
- jicrovirus
- mucrovirus
- mjcrovirus
- mkcrovirus
- mocrovirus
- m9crovirus
- m8crovirus
- mixrovirus
- mivrovirus
- mifrovirus
- midrovirus
- miceovirus
- micdovirus
- micfovirus
- mictovirus
- mic5ovirus
- mic4ovirus
- micrivirus
Etymology of MICROVIRUS
The word "microvirus" combines two elements: "micro-" and "virus".
1. "Micro-" comes from the Greek word "mikros", meaning small or tiny. It is commonly used as a prefix to indicate small size or scale.
2. "Virus" originated from the Latin word "virus", which initially referred to a venom or poison. Over time, it came to be associated specifically with infectious particles or agents that can cause disease.
Therefore, the term "microvirus" refers to a very small or minute virus.
Similar spelling word for MICROVIRUS
