Figure 1

The transmission and replication cycles of Mimivirus and CcBV. (a) Mimivirus. At the beginning of the life cycle, 1, the virus enters the amoeba; 2, the viral genome is released; 3, viral proteins are expressed and whole virus genomes are replicated; 4, viral genomes are packaged into capsids; 5, viral particles are released from the amoeba. The grey circle represents the nucleus. (b) CcBV. Steps 1-3 take place in specialized ovarian cells of the wasp: 1, the provirus integrated in the wasp genome is amplified; 2, amplified viral DNA is packaged into capsids; 3, several capsids are enveloped by membrane(s); 4, the wasp oviposits eggs (only one is shown) and virions into a caterpillar; 5, viral gene expression promotes survival of the wasp progeny (such as the larva shown), but virions do not replicate; 6, the wasp larva (oval) emerges from the caterpillar and metamorphoses into an adult, and the caterpillar dies.