Ichnoviridae

Ichnoviridae is a proposed family of viruses that infect archaea. The name Ichnoviridae is derived from the Greek word "ichnos" meaning "footprint," referring to the trace fossils left by ancient organisms, and "viridae" indicating a viral family. Viruses in this family are characterized by their unique morphology and genome structure, which distinguish them from other known viral families. Members of Ichnoviridae are often described as having spindle-shaped virions, which is an unusual morphology among viruses. These virions are typically enclosed within an outer membrane.

The genome of Ichnoviridae viruses consists of double-stranded DNA. Research into this viral family is ongoing, and their precise classification and evolutionary relationships are still being investigated. They are known to infect a variety of archaeal hosts, playing a role in archaeal population dynamics and genetic exchange within their respective environments. Studies of Ichnoviridae contribute to our understanding of viral diversity and the complex interactions between viruses and their hosts in extreme environments where archaea are often found. The classification of Ichnoviridae as a distinct family is based on its unique biological and genetic properties.