DNA viruses are a type of virus that use deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) as their genetic material. They can infect a variety of organisms, including animals, plants, and bacteria. These viruses replicate their DNA inside the host cell, often using the host's cellular machinery to produce new virus particles. Common examples of DNA viruses include the herpesvirus, which can cause cold sores, and the papillomavirus, known for its role in certain cancers.
There are two main categories of DNA viruses: single-stranded (ssDNA) and double-stranded (dsDNA) viruses. Single-stranded DNA viruses have a single strand of DNA, while double-stranded DNA viruses have two complementary strands. The structure of these viruses influences how they replicate and interact with host cells