Binary Fission And Viral Replication

Question 1

What is binary fission the replication of?

Answer 1

Prokaryotes

Question 2

Describe the process of binary fission?

Answer 2

1. Circular DNA and Plasmids replicate
2. Both copies of circular DNA attach to cell membrane
3. Cell membrane grows between the two DNA molecules and pinches inwards
4. Cytoplasm divides in two
5. New cell wall begins to form, dividing the two genetically identical daughter cells.

Question 3

What do each daughter cell end up with?

Answer 3

• a single copy of circular DNA
• a variable number of plasmids

Question 4

Why can’t viruses replicate themselves?

Answer 4

Because they are non-living, they require a living host cell

Question 5

Describe the process of Viral replication.

Answer 5

1. Attachment proteins on virus, attach to specific receptor protein on host cells membrane.
2. Lipid envelop fuses with cell membrane.
3. Virus injects it’s genetic material into the host cell (host cell makes DNA from RNA template).
4. Host cell ribosomes synthesise proteins coded for by viral genetic material (eg capsid)
5. Viral proteins and genetic material are then assembled into virus and released from the cell.