Poliovirus | |
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TEM micrograph of poliovirus virions. Scale bar (white): 50 nm | |
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A type 3 poliovirus capsid, protein side chains coloured | |
Virus classification ![]() | |
(unranked): | Virus |
Realm: | Riboviria |
Kingdom: | Orthornavirae |
Phylum: | Pisuviricota |
Class: | Pisoniviricetes |
Order: | Picornavirales |
Family: | Picornaviridae |
Genus: | Enterovirus |
Species: | |
Virus: | Poliovirus
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Serotypes | |
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Poliovirus, the causative agent of polio (also known as poliomyelitis), is a serotype of the species Enterovirus C, in the family of Picornaviridae.[1] There are three poliovirus serotypes, numbered 1, 2, and 3.
Poliovirus is composed of an RNA genome and a protein capsid. The genome is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA (+ssRNA) genome that is about 7500 nucleotides long.[2] The viral particle is about 30 nm in diameter with icosahedral symmetry. Because of its short genome and its simple composition—only a strand of RNA and a nonenveloped icosahedral protein coat encapsulating it—poliovirus is widely regarded as the simplest significant virus.[3]
Poliovirus is one of the most well-characterized viruses, and has become a useful model system for understanding the biology of RNA viruses.
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