Module 5: Immune System Flashcards
What are bacteria?
Prokaryotes (free living organisms)
What are viruses?
Non-cellular entities that are parasites of cells
Do viruses have a nucleus?
No
Do viruses have a genome?
Highly variable, in terms of DNA or RNA, single- or double-stranded
Do viruses have ribosomes?
No
Outer structure of viruses?
Envelope (membrane) or nucleocapsid
Replication strategy of viruses?
Rely on host cell for replication
What is a bacteriophage?
Viruses that infect bacteria (lytic or lysogenic)
What does lytic mean?
Capable of destroying/rupturing cell
What does lysogenic mean?
Nucleic material attaches to host’s DNA and remains dormant
What is the matrix/tegument of a virus?
Structure between the envelope and nucleocapsid of herpesvirus particles - stabilisation of viral envelope
What is a icosahedral capsid?
20 sides with 12 corners
What is a nucleocapsid virus?
Genome + capsid
What is a helical capsid?
Continuous helix of capsomers forming a cylindrical nucleocapsid
What is an enveloped virus?
Virus with additional membranous covering over the capsid in some animal viruses - do this by budding off host cell
What is difference between matrix and tegument?
Matrix = for stabilisation off of plasma membrane
Tegument = for stabilisation off of nuclear membrane
What are viral enzymes?
Enzymes contained within nucleocapsids, which aid in viral replication
What is negative RNA?
Single-stranded RNA not recognised by ribosomes; viruses carry this RNA into host cells to turn into positive RNA
What are rod (bacilli) bacteria?
Rod-shaped bacteria
What are spiral bacteria?
Curve-shaped bacteria
What are sphere (cocci) bacteria?
Spherically shaped bacteria
What is the periplasmic space?
Space between outer and inner membrane
What is a lipopolysaccharaide?
Large complex molecule comprised of polysaccharides linked to lipid molecules
Why are pilli/fimbrae important for bacteria?
Allow bacteria to attach to gut wall