Viruses 2011, 3(1), 12-19; doi:10.3390/v3010012
Commentary

Changes in Population Dynamics in Mutualistic versus Pathogenic Viruses

Marilyn J. Roossinckemail
Plant Biology Division, The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 2180, Ardmore, OK 73402, USA
Received: 17 December 2010; in revised form: 31 December 2010 / Accepted: 6 January 2011 / Published: 17 January 2011
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virus Dynamics and Evolution)
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Abstract: Although generally regarded as pathogens, viruses can also be mutualists. A number of examples of extreme mutualism (i.e., symbiogenesis) have been well studied. Other examples of mutualism are less common, but this is likely because viruses have rarely been thought of as having any beneficial effects on their hosts. The effect of mutualism on the population dynamics of viruses is a topic that has not been addressed experimentally. However, the potential for understanding mutualism and how a virus might become a mutualist may be elucidated by understanding these dynamics.
Keywords: beneficial viruses; polymerase fidelity; quasispecies; symbiosis; symbiogenesis

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MDPI and ACS Style

Roossinck, M.J. Changes in Population Dynamics in Mutualistic versus Pathogenic Viruses. Viruses 2011, 3, 12-19.

AMA Style

Roossinck MJ. Changes in Population Dynamics in Mutualistic versus Pathogenic Viruses. Viruses. 2011; 3(1):12-19.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Roossinck, Marilyn J. 2011. "Changes in Population Dynamics in Mutualistic versus Pathogenic Viruses." Viruses 3, no. 1: 12-19.

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