Subviral molecules of RNA associated with plant ss(+)RNA viruses

Plant ss(+)RNA viruses besides their genome RNAs often are associated with additional subviral RNA molecules which occur naturally or are generated de novo during infection. There are such molecules like: satellite, defective, defective interfering and chimeric RNAs. Subviral RNAs can not replicate and encapsidate by oneself. Helper viruses supply the protein complexes that are necessary to these processes. The subviral molecules are characterized by small size. Recombination, deletion and accumulation of mutation are the main ways of arising subviral elements, although the origin of satRNAs is unknown. The unique feature of subviral RNAs is their ability to modify of infection progress caused by helper virus. They can attenuate or enhance the intensity of disease symptoms. The overall influence on disease development depends on three-component complex consisting of: plant host-virus' strain--subviral RNA. This article is a synthetic review of information concerning subviral RNA molecules of plant viruses, their structure, functions and origin.