Pseudodiploid
4468675
73118465
2006-08-31T23:02:50Z
Gary2863
499068
removed merge
'''Pseudodiploid''' (also called "pseudoploid") refers to one of the essential components in [[virus|viral]] reproduction. It means having two [[RNA]] [[genomes|genome]] per [[virion]] but giving rise to only one [[DNA]] copy in infected cells.
==Overview==
[[Retrovirions]] for example are considered as pseudoploid in character - they have two genomes [[capsid|encapsidated]], but in general only one [[provirus]] is seen after infection with single virions.
[[Retrovirus]] particles contain two copies of the RNA genome held together by multiple regions of base pairing (strongest pairing at 5’ ends) which is also called 70S complex ([[dimer]] of 35S genomes). This property gives viruses evolutionary advantages such as the capability to survive extensive damage to their [[genome]]s as at least parts of both genomes are used during the [[reverse transcription]] process. It also explains the high rates of [[genetic recombination]] in retroviruses. The retroviral genome is coated by a viral [[nucleocapsid]] (NC) [[protein]] that may function like a single stranded binding protein and therefore is enhancing processivity and facilitating template exchanges. The NC first organizes RNA genomes within the virion and then facilitates reverse transcription within the infected cell.
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