viral genome
Virus genetic material
A viral genome is the complete genetic material of a virus—either DNA or RNA, depending on the virus type.
Unlike cellular organisms, viral genomes are remarkably compact, encoding only the proteins necessary for replication and infection.
The study of viral genomes helps researchers track mutations, develop vaccines, and understand how viruses evolve: Scientists sequenced the viral genome within weeks of the outbreak.
- replicationAct of duplicating precisely
- virusMicroscopic infectious agent
- infectionPathogen invasion causing illness
- patient zeroFirst documented infection
- open reading frameUninterrupted codon sequence
transcription · mutation · packaging · herd immunity · phylogenetics · integration · latent · bacteriophage · gain of function · code · DNA · spike · sequence · base pairs · genetic · genetic code · host · shedding