Alphachrysovirus

Alphachrysovirus is a genus of double-stranded RNA viruses. It is one of two genera in the family Chrysoviridae. They infect fungi, in particular Penicillium. Their name is derived from the Greek word chrysos which means yellow-green. There are 20 species in this genus.

Structure
Viruses in the genus Alphachrysovirus are non-enveloped, with icosahedral geometries, and T=1, T=2 symmetry. The diameter is around 35–40 nm.

Genome
Genomes are linear double-stranded RNA which is around 12.5 kbp in length. The genome codes for four proteins. The genome has three double stranded RNA segments. All have extended highly conserved terminal sequences at both ends.

Life cycle
Viral replication is cytoplasmic. Entry into the host cell is achieved by penetration into the host cell. Replication follows the double-stranded RNA virus replication model. Double-stranded RNA virus transcription is the method of transcription. The virus exits the host cell by cell to cell movement. Fungi serve as the natural host.

Taxonomy
The following species are recognized:


 * Amasya cherry disease associated chrysovirus
 * Anthurium mosaic-associated chrysovirus
 * Aspergillus fumigatus chrysovirus
 * Brassica campestris chrysovirus
 * Chrysothrix chrysovirus 1
 * Colletotrichum gloeosporioides chrysovirus
 * Cryphonectria nitschkei chrysovirus 1
 * Fusarium oxysporum chrysovirus 1
 * Helminthosporium victoriae virus 145S
 * Isaria javanica chrysovirus
 * Macrophomina phaseolina chrysovirus
 * Penicillium brevicompactum virus
 * Penicillium chrysogenum virus
 * Penicillium cyaneofulvum virus
 * Persea americana chrysovirus
 * Raphanus sativus chrysovirus
 * Salado alphachrysovirus
 * Shuangao insect-associated chrysovirus
 * Verticillium dahliae chrysovirus 1
 * Zea mays chrysovirus 1