Virus Classification
Capsid Symmetry: Icosahedral, Helical, ComplexNucleic Acid: DNA or RNAGenetic Relatedness: Based on nucleic acid sequence data
Viruses are classified based on their genetic material, shape, size, and other characteristics. There are several different systems for virus classification, but the following is one commonly used:
1. Genetic material: Viruses can have either DNA or RNA as their genetic material. DNA viruses can be further classified into single-stranded DNA and double-stranded DNA viruses, while RNA viruses can be classified into single-stranded RNA and double-stranded RNA viruses.
2. Shape: Viruses can have different shapes, including helical, icosahedral, enveloped, or complex.
3. Size: Viruses can vary in size, from very small to relatively large. Some viruses are too small to be seen under a light microscope.
4. Host range: Viruses can infect different hosts, such as animals, plants, or bacteria.
5. Disease caused: Viruses can cause different types of diseases, such as respiratory infections, skin diseases, or gastrointestinal infections.
Based on these characteristics, viruses can be classified into different families, genera, and species. For example, the influenza virus belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family, which contains several different genera and species of influenza virus. Within a species, viruses can also be further classified based on genetic differences or antigenic properties.
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