A new type of giant virus called Pithovirus has been discovered in the frozen ground of extreme north-eastern Siberia. Buried underground, this giant virus, which is harmless to humans and animals, has survived being frozen for more than 30,000 years. Although its size and amphora shape are reminiscent of Pandoravirus, analysis of its genome and replication mechanism proves that Pithovirus is very different. This work brings to three the number of distinct families of giant viruses.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 04:52:34 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015