Objective Questions Unit 2 Flashcards
Describe the structure of an enveloped virus in detail including the composition of each part. What is the average range of viral sizes?
Nucleic Acid Core: DNA or RNA
Capsid: Protein coat protecting the genetic material
Envelope: Lipid membrane surrounding the capsid, aiding entry into host cells.
Matrix Proteins: Proteins connecting the envelope to the capsid, aiding structure and viral assembly.
Envelope Glycoproteins: proteins embedded in the envelope, often with carbohydrate attachments
Size range: 20 to 300 nanometers (nm) in diameter
Describe the structure of a naked virus in detail including the composition of each part. What is the average range of viral sizes?
Nucleic Acid Core: DNA or RNA, single or double-stranded.
Capsid: Protein shell for protection and attachment, made of capsomeres.
No Envelope: No lipid membrane, making them more resilient to harsh environments.
Size range: 20 to 400 nanometers (nm) in diameter
What structures do bacteria have that viruses don’t?
Cell wall
Cell membrane
Cytoplasm
Ribosomes
Flagella (sometimes present)
(Step 1) Describe, in detail, the lytic replication of T4 phage
- Attachment: The T4 phage, with its tail fibers, specifically binds to receptors on the surface of the E. coli cell, initiating the infection process
(Step 2) Describe, in detail, the lytic replication of T4 phage
- Entry and Uncoating: the tail sheath/tail tube of the phage goes through the bacterial cell membrane, allowing the phage DNA to be injected into the host cytoplasm;
Leaves its protein coat on the outside of the cell
(Step 3) Describe, in detail, the lytic replication of T4 phage
- Synthesis: the phage DNA takes control of the host cell’s machinery, initiating the synthesis of early phage proteins, including enzymes needed for DNA replication.
(Step 4) Describe, in detail, the lytic replication of T4 phage
- Assembly: Newly synthesized phage components, including heads, tails, and tail fibers, are assembled into complete virions. Capsomeres assemble around the genetic information as well as any proteins it brings inside the capsid
(Step 5) Describe, in detail, the lytic replication of T4 phage
- Maturation and release: After assembly the host cell wall is lysed (broken open) by phage-encoded lysozyme, releasing the phages to infect new bacterial cells.
(Step 1) Describe, in detail, the lysogenic replication of Lambda phage
- Attachment: The Lambda phage attaches to specific receptors on the surface of the E. coli cell using its tail fibers
(Step 2) Describe, in detail, the lysogenic replication of Lambda phage
- Entry: The phage injects its linear DNA into the bacterial cell, while the capsid remains outside. The injected DNA circularizes to prevent degradation
(Step 3) Describe, in detail, the lysogenic replication of Lambda phage
- Integration (Prophage Formation): The circularized phage DNA integrates into the bacterial chromosome using a phage-encoded enzyme called integrase. Once integrated, the phage DNA is now called a prophage and is dormant within the bacterial chromosome
(Step 4) Describe, in detail, the lysogenic replication of Lambda phage
- Replication: When the host cell divides, it replicates its own DNA along with the integrated prophage DNA. Each daughter cell receives a copy of the prophage.
(Step 5) Describe, in detail, the lysogenic replication of Lambda phage
- Induction: Under certain conditions (such as stress, UV radiation, or chemical exposure), the prophage can be excised from the host genome and enter the lytic cycle. The viral DNA then begins to replicate, produce viral proteins, and ultimately lead to the assembly of new virions, followed by cell lysis
Transduction Definition
The process by which a virus transfers genetic material from one cell to another
Generalized Transduction Definition
Any bacterial gene can be transferred from one bacterium to another;
Results from an error during the assembly of phage where the piece of bacterial DNA accidentally gets packaged into the phage capsid
Specialized Transduction Definition
Only specific bacterial genes located near the phage integration site are transferred;
In lysogenic phase the phage goes through induction (from a stress) and tries removing itself from the chromosomes, it accidentally takes parts of the host chromosome with it
How does Generalized transduction and specialized transduction benefit a bacterium?
Generalized:
increase genetic diversity
enables recipient to potentially gain new traits (ex. antibiotic resistance)
enhances adaptability allowing them to better survive in changing environments
Specialized:
provide recipient bacteria with advantageous traits closely linked to those genes (near it)
enables bacteria to rapidly acquire essential functions (virulence factors) enhances their competitiveness and survival
(Step 1) Describe, in detail, HIV life cycle
- Attachment: HIV uses its envelope glycoproteins (gp120) to attach to CD4 receptors on the surface of T-helper cells (CD4+ T cells). The virus also interacts with co-receptors (CCR5 or CXCR4) to facilitate entry
(Step 2) Describe, in detail, HIV life cycle
- Entry/Fusion: Once gp120 binds to CD4-CCR5 conformational change happens that allow a fusion portion of the gp120 to allow it to enter the host (endocytosis)
(Step 3) Describe, in detail, HIV life cycle
- Uncoating: gp41 helps cell membrane fuse with the endosome membrane, viral capsid is removed, releasing the viral RNA and enzymes (such as RT) into the host cell’s cytoplasm. Also releases genetic information and integrase (protein)
(Step 4) Describe, in detail, HIV life cycle
- Synthesis (of DNA): Reverse transcriptase synthesizes the dsDNA from the +ssRNA template
(Step 5) Describe, in detail, HIV life cycle
- Integration: Once synthesized it enters through the nuclear pore and integrase (protein) is brought with it and this protein allows it to insert itself into the host chromosome, now it is called a provirus (Proviruses are permanently stuck in the host chromosome)
(Step 6) Describe, in detail, HIV life cycle
- Synthesis (of RNA): The integrated proviral DNA is transcribed into viral mRNA using the host’s RNA polymerase.
+ssRNA will be used as a genome for virus,
will be translated on free ribosomes
and some will be one large protein that has information to make the RT
some of the RNA will be translated through the secretory pathway, the RER, Golgi apparatus, and transport vesicles;
those are the spike proteins that will end up on the cell surface
(Step 7) Describe, in detail, HIV life cycle
- Release: Released through exocytosis (genetic information as well as large proteins)
(Step 8) Describe, in detail, HIV life cycle
- Assembly/Maturation: Once it’s outside of the cell, assembly and maturation occurs. The protease will cut the large protein into individual proteins, such as RT, integrase, capsid proteins will house the two RNA’s that will be part of the genetic information for HIV
Compare & contrast release of enveloped virus vs. naked virus
Enveloped viruses release via budding (less damaging to host cells);
while naked viruses release via lysis (causing cell death)
Enveloped viruses acquire their lipid membrane from the host, whereas naked viruses lack this structure and rely on host cell rupture for release
Define latency
A state in which a virus remains dormant within a host cell, not causing active infection or symptoms, but can reactivate under certain conditions.
Why do you think that it is difficult to treat viral disease?
Treating viral diseases is challenging because viruses rely on host cells for replication, making it difficult to target them without harming the host’s cells
Additionally, viruses often mutate rapidly, leading to variations that can evade the immune system and resist antiviral treatments
Briefly explain how a virus could potentially cause cancer.
Name a cancer-related virus & the specific cancer associated with it.
(Viruses that cause cancer: Oncoviruses;)
Viruses can potentially cause cancer by integrating their genetic material into the host cell’s DNA, disrupting normal cell regulation and promoting uncontrolled cell division
HPV (DNA virus): causes cervical cancer
How does culturing a bacteriophage compare with that of culturing an animal virus?
Bacteriophages require bacteria for culture and can be observed more quickly through plaque formation
While animal viruses need living animal cells, making the culturing process more complex and time-consuming
What is a viroid?
A small, infectious RNA molecule that can cause diseases in plants by disrupting their normal cellular processes
What is a prion?
An infectious agent composed entirely of misfolded proteins that can induce abnormal folding in normal proteins, leading to neurodegenerative diseases in animals and humans.
Are viroid’s and prions considered alive?
Viroids and prions are not considered alive;
Viroids can replicate within host cells but lack the features typical of living organisms
Prions cause disease by inducing other proteins to misfold; they also lack the characteristics of life
Compare & contrast virus, viroid and prion
Similarities: All three are acellular entities that can cause disease
Differences:
A virus is composed of: Nucleic acid (DNA or RNA), protein capsid, some lipids (envelope)
A viroid is composed of: RNA only
A prion is composed of: Proteins only
A virus is the only one that can replicate but it needs a host cell
Virus is biggest, than viroid, than prion