''Hapunavirus'' (synonyms: ''Hap1likevirus'' and ''Hapunalikevirus'') is a genus of viruses in the class ''

Caudoviricetes ''Caudovirales'' is an order of viruses known as the tailed bacteriophages (''cauda'' is Latin for "tail"). Under the Baltimore classification scheme, the ''Caudovirales'' are group I viruses as they have double stranded DNA (dsDNA) genomes ...

'', not assigned to a subfamily. Bacteria serve as the natural host, with transmission achieved through passive diffusion. There are two species in this genus. ''Hapunavirus'' was classified in the family '' Myoviridae''.

Taxonomy

The following two species are assigned to the genus: *'' Halomonas virus phiHAP-1'' *'' Vibrio virus VP882''

Structure

Hapunaviruses are nonenveloped, with a head and tail. The head has a diameter of about 50 nm. The tail is around 260 nm long, has a small baseplate, and is contractile.

Genome

Both species have been fully sequenced and are available from ICTV. They range between 38k and 40k nucleotides, with 46 to 71 proteins. The complete genomes are available fro
here

Life cycle

The virus attaches to the host cell using its terminal fibers, and ejects the viral DNA into the host cytoplasm via contraction of its tail sheath. Once the viral genes have been replicated, the procapsid is assembled and packed. The tail is then assembled and the mature virions are released via lysis.

History

According to the ICTV's 2010–11 report, the genus ''Hap1likevirus'' was first accepted as a new genus, at the same time as both of its contained species. This proposal is availabl
here
The following year (2012), the name was changed to ''Hapunalikevirus''. This proposal is availabl
here
The genus was later renamed to ''Hapunavirus''.

References

{{Use dmy dates, date=April 2017 Myoviridae Virus genera