What is a polydnavirus?
Q: What is a polydnavirus?
A: Polydnavirus is a family of insect viruses that have two genera, ichnoviruses and bracoviruses.
Q: Which wasps have ichnoviruses and which have bracoviruses?
A: Ichnoviruses occur in ichneumonid wasps and bracoviruses occur in braconid wasps.
Q: What is the genome of the polydnavirus composed of?
A: The genome of the polydnavirus is composed of multiple segments of double-stranded DNA packed in capsid proteins and a double or single layer envelope.
Q: How are the sequences of BV and IV different?
A: The sequences of BV and IV are quite different, which suggests that the two types evolved independently.
Q: What is the significance of BV and IV having evolved independently?
A: The fact that BV and IV evolved independently suggests that the two genera have different origins and functions.
Q: What are some potential uses of polydnaviruses?
A: Polydnaviruses have potential uses in biological pest control, as they can be transmitted to pest insects via parasitic wasps, causing reduced fertility or mortality.
Q: Is it possible for polydnaviruses to infect humans?
A: No, polydnaviruses only infect insects and are not harmful to humans.
