Chapter 9 Flashcards
What is a virus
A genetic element that cannot replicate independently of a living (host) cell. Viruses are not cells, no metabolism, and no ribosomes or translation. They are obligate intracellular parasites
What is virology
The study of viruses
What is a virus particle (virion)
The infectious form of a virus. It exists outside host and facilitates transmission from one host cell to another.
What is a virion composed of
They are composed of a nucleic acid genome surrounded by a protein coat and, in some cases, other layers of material such as a lipid membrane derived from the host cell
What kind of genomes do viruses have
They can have either double or single stranded DNA or RNA. Most are linear but some are circular
How have viral genes/genomes evolved
They have evolved to be compatible with the host’s genetic physiology
What is the host range
The host range is determined by the coevolution of virus and host. Ex. Influenza virus only infects certain types of epithelial cells of mammals and birds, bacterial viruses never infect animals or plants
What kind of genome do DNA viruses have
ssDNA or dsDNA
What kind of genome do RNA viruses have
ssRNA or dsRNA
What kind of genome do RNA and DNA viruses have
ssRNA (retrovirsues) and dsDNA (hepadnavriuses)
How was viruses classified
Viruses can be classified on the basis of the host they can infect. There is no overall evolutionary tree for virsues, they are more related to their hosts than to each other
How big are viruses
Most viruses are much smaller than prokaryotic cells, range from 0.02 to 0.3 um
How big are viral genomes
Most viral genomes are smaller than those of cells, smaller viruses contain only a few genes and many contain only 40-100 genes
What is the main components of the viral structure
The capsid, nucleocapsid, enveloped virus
What is the capsid
The protein shell that surrounds the genome in a virus particle. It is composed of capsomeres arranged in a precise and repetitive pattern around the nucleic acid genome. The capsid can self-assemble because of protein-protein interactions
What are capsomeres
They are the protein subunits of the capsid
What is the nucleocapsid
The complex of nucleic acid and protein forming the virion. The nucleic acid + capsid. Are highly symmetirc
What is the enveloped virus
It contains additional outer layers derived from the host-cell membrane (eukaryotic viruses)
What are the two types of symmetry found in nucleocapsids
Helical symmetry and isosahedral symmetry
What is helical symmetry
Found in rod-shaped viruses. The length of virus determined by length of nucleic acid genome, and the width of virus determined by size and packaging of protein subunits
What is icosahedral symmetry
Found in spherical viruses. Most efficient arrangement of protein sub units to make a closed shell
What are complex viruses
Virions composed of several parts, each with separate shapes and symmetries. Head, tail fibers, etc. Bacterial viruses often contain complicated structures
What are some enzymes that virions contain that are critical to infection
Lysozyme and Nucleic acid polymerase
What are lysozymes
They are used to make a hole in the cell wall and lyse the bacterial cell
What are nucleic acid polymerases
Used for the replication of viral genomes, some that are not dsDNA and can perform rapid replication
Where can viruses replicate
Viruses can only replicate in coevolved host cells or organisms. Within their host range
What are bacterial viruses often called
Bacteriophage or phage
What is a titer
The number of infectious units per volume of fluid