Their unique characteristics place them between viruses and tiny viroids, without being either type of infectious agent. These RNA circles are highly self-complementary, allowing them to adopt a ...
Obelisks share some traits with viroids—infectious RNA loops known to affect plants—but exist in human-associated bacteria. These RNA-based structures lack the protective protein shells seen ...
William A. Haseltine, Ph.D., covers genomics and regenerative medicine This story is part of a larger series on viroids and virusoids, small infectious RNAs. It is also the eighth installment in a ...