The
Biology of SmallPox
By
Jack Fung
Smallpox is caused by the virus variola. Smallpox is a pox
virus characterized as a brick shape. Smallpox contains a linear
double stranded DNA made up of lipoprotein envelopes. The virons
contains a DNA-Dependant RNA polymerize, this means that it needs to attach
itself to a DNA strand to survive within the body. The virus replicates
itself in the cytoplasm of the cell so it does not need to access the RNA
of your cell. Once transmitted into the human body it is transported
though out the blood stream to attack other parts of the body. It
is usually entered though the respiratory track and lymph nodes.
The virus also spread though the skin and causes blisters of the skin.
Again smallpox has a double stranded DNA genome and has about 250-400 Daltons.
After the virus penetrates though the cell wall it attaches itself to the
DNA and starts to synthesize mRNA which is transferred into early nonstructural
proteins, these are mainly for viral replications only.