1.4 Vocabulary Flashcards
Budding
The process in which viruses leave the host cells by budding off its surface by wrapping their capsids in the host cell membrane.
Capsid
Protein shell of a virus surrounding and protecting its genome.
Complex
Protein shell of a virus surrounding and protecting its genome.
Cytoplasm
The internal content of a cell, excluding the nucleus when present.
Endocytosis
The process which cells use to absorb molecules from the outside by engulfing and bringing them inside the cytoplasm.
Endosome
A membrane bound vesicle in eukaryotic cells used to transport molecules within the cytoplasm. These molecules can be engulfed from outside or produced inside the cell.
Envelope
Membrane layer surrounding the capsid that is derived from the host cell membrane.
Eukaryotes
Organisms that contain a membrane bound nucleus and organelles.
Extracellular
Outside of the cell.
Genome
The genetic material of an organism.
H1N1
A strain (type) of the flu virus
Helical
Having the shape of a spiral or a helix.
Hemagglutinin
A protein on the surface of flu viruses which is used as a receptor to bind to host cells.
Icosahedral Shape
Having the shape of an icosahedron that has 20 identical triangular faces.
Lysis
The process of rupturing or breaking down of a cell.
Micron (Micrometer, μm)
One millionth of a meter.
Prokaryotes
Organisms that lack a nucleus or other membrane-bound organelle.
Receptor
A molecule in or on a cell that receives chemical signals.
Sialic Acid
A modified sugar molecule present on the surface of many cells and used as a receptor by the flu virus.
Tropism
The property of a specific virus to attach to only a specific type of cells.
Uncoating
The process of release of the viral genome.
Virion
One viral particle that contains all the components of of a mature virus.
Viruses
Small, non-cellular ( lacking a cell), infectious agents that can replicate only within the cells of living organisms.
