The largest known virus is Pandoravirus, a giant virus discovered in 2013.
Pandoravirus: A Giant Among Viruses
Pandoravirus is a fascinating example of the diversity and complexity found within the viral world. Here's what makes it stand out:
- Size: Pandoravirus dwarfs most other viruses, with a length of around 1 micrometer (µm). To put this into perspective, some bacteria are smaller than Pandoravirus!
- Genome: Its genome is also remarkably large, containing over 2.5 million base pairs, which is more than some bacteria.
- Structure: Pandoravirus has a unique, complex structure with a distinctive head and tail.
- Habitat: It was first discovered in sediment samples from Chile and Australia.
Other Notable Large Viruses
While Pandoravirus currently holds the title of the largest known virus, other giant viruses deserve recognition:
- Megavirus: Discovered in 2011, Megavirus has a genome size of 1.25 million base pairs and a diameter of around 440 nanometers (nm).
- Mimivirus: One of the first giant viruses discovered, Mimivirus has a genome size of around 1.2 million base pairs and a diameter of around 400 nm.
These giant viruses are pushing the boundaries of our understanding of viruses and their evolution. They challenge traditional definitions of what constitutes a virus, highlighting the vast diversity and complexity within the viral realm.
