Lecture 9 Flashcards
Some mutations cause diseases. Cystic fibrosis is an example. Describe it.
The mutation is in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) gene. The balance of chloride in the body isn’t restricted. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, recurrent lung infections, digestive, and reproductive issues.
Mutations cause Huntington’s disease. Describe the condition.
- genetically programmed degeneration of neurons in certain areas of the brain
- the degeneration causes uncontrolled movements, loss of intellectual faculties and emotional disturbance
- typical onset is in the 30s and progresses 10 to 20 years until death
Sickle cell anemia is caused by mutations. Describe the condition.
- condition in which there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen
- irregular shaped red blood cells become rigid and sticky
- become stuck in small blood vessels
- can cause hemolytic anemia
- sickled RBCs block capillaries and interfere with blood flow to organs
- symptoms: pain in joints, fatigue, inability to make concentrated urine, susceptibility to infection, developmental delays, shortness of breath, vision problems
How was virus defined by a Nobel Prize winner, Peter Medawar?
“a piece of bad news wrapped up in protein”
How many strains of virus are there?
Over 320,000 that affect mammals
Describe the structure of a virus.
- no cell nucleus
- no organelles
- no cytoplasm
- too small to be seen with a light microscope
Where do virus replicate?
Can only replicate inside a living host cell (obligate intracellular parasite). Shares this distinction with chlamydias and rickettsias (living organisms).
What is an obligate intracellular parasite?
A virus that has no means to produce energy and contains a few enzymes at most
What do virus depend on?
Strict dependence on host cell structural and metabolic components
How do virus replicate?
- carried out by the host cell machinery
* multiple copies of the viral genome and viral proteins (enzymes and structural) are synthesized
Which is larger, yeast cells or bacterial cells?
yeast cells are larger (7 um) while bacterial cells are a max of 2 um.
What is a virion?
It is a complete extracellular structure that transmits the infection
What is the range of clinically relevant virus sizes?
32 nm (poliovirus) to 300 nm (poxvirus)
Viruses vary in volume and instructors from relatively simple to very complex.
What are the two main parts of a virus?
- delivery system
* payload
What does the payload contain?
- the genome and enzymes necessary to initiate the first steps in virus replication
- material for sustainability and perpetuation (inheritance)
What does the delivery system do? What does it contain?
- protects the payload against degradation in the environment
- contains structures used to bind to target cells in the host
- target specificity and binding
What is a capsid?
It is the protein coat surrounding the genome of a virus.
What are the two common shapes of a capsid?
- icosahedral
* helical
What is a capsomere?
Protein subunits that assembled together to form the capsid–make up the capsid.
What are viruses without an envelope called?
non-enveloped viruses
What have target organ specificity?
capsomeres