Adenoviruses
Adenoviridae
Adenoviruses are a family of non-enveloped viruses characterized by an icosahedral capsid and a linear, double-stranded DNA genome. They infect a wide range of vertebrate hosts, including humans, typically causing respiratory, ocular, or gastrointestinal infections. These viruses are highly stable in the environment and can persist for extended periods outside a host organism, particularly in aquatic environments.
Details
Identification
Icosahedral structure (20-sided) with a diameter of 70–90 nm; characteristic thread-like projections (fibers) at the vertices of the capsid.
Diet
Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites; they do not consume food but utilize the host cell's resources for replication.
Hunting strategy
Adsorption to specific receptors on the host cell surface followed by endocytosis.
Spawning substrate
Host cells (replication occurs within the nucleus of the host cell).
Overwintering
Can persist in water bodies or within host organisms at low temperatures.
Ecology
Ecological role
Regulation of host populations and promotion of horizontal gene transfer; in aquatic systems, part of the viral shunt.
Natural predators
Degradation by UV radiation, environmental enzymes, or the host's immune system.
Competitor species
Other viruses competing for the same cell receptors or resources within the host cell.
Ecosystem service
Used in biotechnology for gene therapies and as vectors for vaccines.
Threats
Environmental factors such as extreme heat, strong UV exposure, and chemical disinfectants.
Scientific profile
Profile
Habitat
In vertebrate hosts (mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, intestines, eyes). Ubiquitous in the environment in sewage, rivers, and coastal waters due to high stability and shedding via feces.
Ecological role
Regulation of wildlife populations through infections; serve as model organisms in molecular biology and as vectors in gene therapy and the development of viral vector vaccines (e.g., against SARS-CoV-2).