virionets
Virionets is a term used in theoretical virology and speculative literature to denote ultra-small virus-like particles. They are conceptualized as smaller cousins of conventional virions, typically under 30 nanometers in diameter, with compact genomes and minimal structural proteins. The definition is not standardized; some descriptions Treat virionets as subviral particles derived from mature virions by genome reduction, while others envision engineered, synthetic particles designed for gene delivery or nanomedicine. They are distinguished from extracellular vesicles and viroids by possessing a protein shell or capsid, even if on a smaller scale.
Morphology and genomes: in proposed models, virionets can be 15-30 nm with icosahedral or helical capsids; genome
Life cycle and replication: as conceptualized, virionets would have limited autonomy, lacking a complete replication machinery;
Detection and significance: studying virionets poses challenges, overlapping with defective interfering particles and extracellular vesicles. Detection
Etymology and usage: the term derives from virion plus the diminutive suffix -et; it appears mainly in