Riboviria

Riboviria is a realm of viruses that infect eukaryotes. Viruses in this realm possess a single-stranded RNA genome. They are characterized by their replication cycle, which involves an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. This enzyme is crucial for the virus to replicate its RNA genome and produce new viral particles. The realm Riboviria was established in 2018 as part of a new classification system for viruses. It contains several established orders, including Articulivirales, Austinvirales, Jingchuvirales, and Nslovirales. These orders encompass a diverse range of viruses that cause various diseases in plants, animals, and fungi. The classification is based on molecular and genetic characteristics, primarily the properties of their RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and the structure of their genomes. Riboviria represents a significant portion of the known RNA viruses and plays a vital role in understanding viral evolution and pathogenesis. Research into viruses within this realm continues to expand our knowledge of their biology and potential impact on host organisms. The development of antiviral therapies often targets the replication machinery of these viruses.