Genome Structure

The genome of the orthomyxovirus consists of six to eight segments of linear, negative-sense, single-stranded RNA. The complete genome is 10000-14600 nucleotides long.

• Segment 1 is fully sequenced and the complete sequence is 2300-2500 nucleotides long.
• Segment 2 has the same sequenced and length as Segment 1.
• Segment 3 is also sequenced, but only estimated, and the complete sequence is 2200-2300 nucleotides long.
• Segment 4 has been completely sequenced and the complete sequence is 1700-1800 nucleotides long.
• Segment 5 has been sequenced, but only estimated, and is 300-1900 nucleotides long.
• Segment 6 has been sequenced, but only estimated, and is 1400-1500 nucleotides long.
• Segment 7 has been sequenced, but only estimated, and the complete sequence is 800-1100 nucleotides long.
• The genome has terminally redundant sequences and the sequence is repeated at both ends. The sequence has conserved regions in all RNA species or some RNA segments.

The multipartite genome is encapsulated with each segment in a separate nucleocapsid, and the nucleocapsids are surrounded by one envelope. Each virion contains defective interfering copies.