Epstein Barr

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Classification

Tosco Refinery.jpg

Higher order taxa

Domain; Phylum; Class; Order; Herpesviridae [Others may be used. Use Tree of Life link to find]

Species

Lymphocryptovirus Human herpesvirus 4

Description and significance

Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why it is important enough to have its genome sequenced. Describe how and where it was isolated. Include a picture or two (with sources) if you can find them.

Genome structure

The B95-5 strain of the Epstein-Barr virus is comprised of 172,282 base pairs. Through mapping, likely regions of protein-coding have been found to encode for a ribonucleotide reductase, a DNA polymerase and two surface glycoproteins.(Baer R, Bankier AT, Biggin MD, Deininger PL, Farrell PJ, Gibson TJ, Hatfull G, Hudson GS, Satchwell SC, Séguin C, et al. DNA sequence and expression of the B95-8 Epstein-Barr virus genome. Nature. 310(5974):207–211. [PubMed])

Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence? Does it have any plasmids? Are they important to the organism's lifestyle?

Cell structure and metabolism

Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.

Ecology

Describe any interactions with other organisms (included eukaryotes), contributions to the environment, effect on environment, etc.

Pathology

The Epstein-Barr virus can cause infectious mononucleosis. Infectious mononucleosis is can be contracted when a person is in pre to early adolescence. The transmission of mononuleosis can occur through the transfer of saliva and also through contact with the virus when it is airborne. (Epstein-Barr Virus and Infectious Mononucleosis - National Center for Infectious Diseases). The Epstein-Barr Virus mainly replicates in the beta-lymphocytes and also can replicate in the epithelial cells of the pharynx and parotodid duct.Andersson JP. Clinical aspects of Epstein-Barr virus infection. Scand J Infect Dis Suppl 1991;80:94-104. Common symptoms are fever, pharyngitis, adenopathy, malaise, and an atypical lymphocytosis. [Bailey RE. Diagnosis and treatment of infectious mononucleosis. Am Fam Physician 1994;49:879-88.] How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.

Application to Biotechnology

Does this organism produce any useful compounds or enzymes? What are they and how are they used?

Current Research

Enter summaries of the most recent research here--at least three required

References

[Sample reference] Takai, K., Sugai, A., Itoh, T., and Horikoshi, K. "Palaeococcus ferrophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a barophilic, hyperthermophilic archaeon from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 2000. Volume 50. p. 489-500.