Home > Organisms > Viruses > Defective Viruses Terms and Definitions
Defective Viruses
| Definition: |
Viruses which lack a complete genome so that they cannot completely replicate or cannot form a protein coat. Some are host-dependent defectives, meaning they can replicate only in cell systems which provide the particular genetic function which they lack. Others, called SATELLITE VIRUSES, are able to replicate only when their genetic defect is complemented by a helper virus. |
| Notes: |
viruses lacking a complete genome & so unable to replicate completely or to form a protein coat |
| Previously Indexed: |
specific virus (1966) |
Defective Viruses Categories.
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Hepatitis Delta Virus - A defective virus, containing particles of RNA nucleoprotein in virion-like form, present in patients with acute hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis. It requires the presence of a hepadnavirus for full replication. This is the lone species in the genus Deltavirus. |
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Sarcoma Viruses, Murine - A group of replication-defective viruses, in the genus GAMMARETROVIRUS, which are capable of transforming cells, but which replicate and produce tumors only in the presence of Murine leukemia viruses (LEUKEMIA VIRUS, MURINE). |
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Satellite Viruses - Defective viruses which can multiply only by association with a helper virus which complements the defective gene. Satellite viruses may be associated with certain plant viruses, animal viruses, or bacteriophages. They differ from satellite RNA; (RNA, SATELLITE) in that satellite viruses encode their own coat protein. |
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SSPE Virus - A defective variant of MEASLES VIRUS that has been isolated from the brain tissue of patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. |
Defective Viruses Definitions and Terms
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