Introduction to virology Flashcards
What structures are featured in simple viruses (5)
Envelope coat with glycoproteins
Envelop
Capsomeres
Viral nucleic acid genome
Matrix
What structures are features in complex viruses (6)
Nucleic acid genome
Capsid
Tail sheath
Plate
Pins
Tail fibres
What is the process of virus reproduction (7)
Attachment
Entry
Transcription
Translation
Genome replication
Assembly
Exit
What happens during viral attachment (2)
- Spikes, knobs or glycoproteins bind to cell surface receptors
- Hydrogen bonds, ionic attractions & van der Waals draw virus closer
What happens during viral entry (2)
- endocytosis - the cell membrane bends and the virus is engulfed inside.
- membrane is formed around the virus within the cell.
What happens during viral transcription (3)
- ds DNA & ss RNA transcribed by host enzymes
- ds RNA, ss (+) RNA & ss (-) RNA = viral enzymes
- ss (+) RNA (retroviruses) = viral then host enzymes
What happens during viral translation (2)
- performed by host enzymes
- more than one open frame saves space on viral genome & more than one protein can be synthesised by shifting the codon triplets by one
What happens during viral genome replication (2)
- cytoplasm = RNA.
- nucleus = DNA.
What happens during viral assembly (2)
- Simple virions self-assemble
- larger virions use scaffolding proteins.
What happens during viral exit (4)
- enveloped viruses modify the host membrane taking some when exiting
- some form their own membrane
- others break the membrane
- some viral enzymes weaken the membrane
What are phages (3)
- virus which only infects bacteria.
- Most commonly found in the gut with the gut bacteria.
- It can be grown on an agar plate containing bacteria.
What are tailed phages (2)
- A phage where the capsid is icosahedral and the tail is helical.
- They force their way into the host by injecting nucleic acid through the cell wall.
What are the main uses of viruses (5)
- Phage typing of bacteria (e.g. Salmonella spp.)
- Sources of enzymes
- Pest control
- Antibacterials - phage therapy to lyse bacteria.
- Gene therapy
What are prions (2)
Prions are infectious proteins which induce the conversion of alpha-helix in PrPc (A) [a copper transport protein] to beta-sheets of PrPc (B).
Prions form vacuoles and hardened plaques of prion protein in the brain leading to brain damage.
How are prions decontaminated (4)
Incineration if possible
Immerse in sodium hydroxide and autoclave at 121℃ for 30 mins; clean and autoclave again.
Autoclave at 134℃ for 18 mins
Flood surfaces with 2N NaOH or undiluted sodium hypochlorite; let stand for 1hr; mop up and rinse with water.