3.5 - Viruses Flashcards
The structure of viruses How viruses replicate
What are viruses?
Microscopic infectious agents that can only replicate inside the cells of living organisms.
Are viruses considered living organisms?
No
What is a capsid?
Protein layer surrounding and protecting viral genetic material
What is an envelope (in viruses)?
Outer layer made of phospholipids
What are glycoproteins (in viruses)?
Proteins helping viruses bind to host cells
What enzymes do some viruses carry?
Reverse transcriptase
How do viruses replicate?
By using the host cell’s machinery
What do viruses use to bind to host cells?
Attachment proteins
What does a virus inject into a host cell?
Viral DNA or RNA
What does a virus use to replicate viral particles?
Host cell’s enzymes and ribosomes
How are new viral particles released?
From the host cell
What type of genetic material do viruses have?
DNA or RNA
