martellivirales

Martellivirales is an order of negative-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses within the class Mononegavirales. The order currently contains only one family, the Sonneviridae. Viruses in this order are known to infect arthropods, specifically insects. Their genetic material is a single molecule of RNA that has a negative polarity, meaning it cannot be directly translated into protein by ribosomes. Instead, it must first be transcribed into complementary positive-sense RNA molecules.

The genome of martellivirales typically encodes a limited number of proteins, including an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, a nucleoprotein that encapsidates the RNA genome, and a matrix protein. Some members may also encode accessory proteins involved in viral replication or host interaction. The replication cycle of these viruses occurs entirely within the cytoplasm of the host cell. Assembly of new virions involves the budding of viral components through the host cell membrane.

The Sonneviridae family includes several genera, such as *Sonnevirus* and *Anfuvirus*. These viruses are often characterized by their relatively small genome size and their specific host range within insect populations. Their economic and ecological significance is primarily related to their potential impact on insect populations, which can include beneficial insects like pollinators or pest insects. Research into martellivirales contributes to our understanding of viral diversity, arthropod virology, and the evolution of RNA viruses.