39.3 Replication

The replication of the genomes occurs in the cytoplasm. Many of the poxviruses attach to the cells with the help of epidermal growth factor as a receptor. Uncoating of the outer membrane occurs in the cytoplasm and genomic DNA is released into the cytoplasm. The virus contains both early and late gene based on its transcription preference. More than 50% of the early genes are transcribed before the DNA replication while late genes are transcribed after the completion of DNA replication. Many virus encoded enzymes help in the replication of DNA, concatemers are formed during the replication that later on cleave to form viral genome.

 

Figure 39.3 Life cycle of poxviruses in infected cell: