How Do You Spell PICORNAVIRIDAE?
Pronunciation: [pˈiːkə͡ʊənˌavɪɹˌɪdiː] (IPA) 
Pronunciation: [pˈiːkə͡ʊənˌavɪɹˌɪdiː] (IPA)
Picornaviridae is a family of small, non-enveloped, single-stranded RNA viruses that belong to the order Picornavirales. The word "picorna" is derived from the words "pico," meaning small, and "RNA," referring to the genetic material of the virus.
These viruses are characterized by their small size, typically ranging from 22 to 30 nanometers in diameter. They have an icosahedral capsid structure consisting of 60 identical subunits arranged symmetrically. The viral genome is composed of a positive-sense single-stranded RNA molecule, which serves as the genetic blueprint for viral replication.
Picornaviridae includes numerous important human and animal pathogens, such as poliovirus, rhinovirus, enterovirus, hepatitis A virus, and foot-and-mouth disease virus. These viruses exhibit a wide range of clinical manifestations, from mild respiratory symptoms to severe illness and even death. They are transmitted through different routes, including respiratory droplets, fecal-oral transmission, and direct contact with infected individuals or surfaces.
The replication cycle of picornaviruses occurs entirely in the cytoplasm of the host cell. Upon entry into the cell, the viral genome is translated into a single polyprotein, which is subsequently cleaved by viral proteases to yield individual functional proteins. These proteins are involved in various stages of replication, including genome replication, viral protein synthesis, and assembly of new viral particles.
Understanding the characteristics and biology of Picornaviridae is crucial for the development of effective antiviral therapies and vaccines against these medically important viruses.
The word "Picornaviridae" has its roots in two different parts: "pico" and "naviridae".
1. "Pico": The term "pico" comes from the Greek word "pikros", meaning "small" or "tiny". In the context of virology, it refers to the small size of picornaviruses.
2. "Naviridae": The suffix "-naviridae" is derived from the Latin word "navus", meaning "ship". In virology, it is used to represent a family of viruses. The "-naviridae" suffix is commonly used to name different families of viruses, such as Flaviviridae (which includes viruses like dengue and Zika) or Coronaviridae (which includes viruses like SARS-CoV-2).
