JOURNAL ARTICLE

Giant virus with record-long tail discovered in Pacific Ocean.

  • Published In: Sciencemag.org, 2025. P. N.PAG 1 of 3

  • Database: Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Ahmed, Nazeefa 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on the discovery of a giant virus named PelV-1, which has an exceptionally long tail that aids in infecting marine phytoplankton, specifically Pelagodinium. Identified in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, PelV-1 features a 200-nanometer capsid and a tail measuring up to 2.3 micrometers, making it the longest known virus appendage. The virus's genome contains metabolic genes that may assist in energy generation and light-harvesting complexes, suggesting its adaptation to sunlight-rich environments. Observations indicate that the tail plays a crucial role in the virus's entry into host cells, although further research is necessary to fully understand its function. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Sciencemag.org. 2025/07, pN.PAG
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Biology
  • Publication Date:2025
  • Accession Number:187029988
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