VIRAL STRUCTURE Flashcards
What is a virion?
• A virion is the complete virus particle, and it serves as the infectious unit of a virus.
What is the primary function of the genome or nucleic acid core within a cell?
• Contains the genetic material, which can be either RNA or DNA
• Responsible for encoding an organism’s genetic information.
What is the role of the capsid in a virus?
• Encloses the virus’s genome and is primarily composed of protein
• It can have various shapes, including helical, icosahedral, or complex
• But not both helical and icosahedral
What is the classification of a structure exhibiting cubic manner?
• A structure exhibiting cubic manner is classified as icosahedral.
What is the classification of a rod-like capsid?
• A rod-like capsid is classified as helical.
Which virus family exhibits COMPLEX capsid symmetry?
• Poxviridae
What is a nucleocapsid composed of?
• A nucleocapsid is composed of nucleic acid and a capsid
• With the genome enclosed in the capsid.
What are capsomeres, and where are they found?
• Capsomeres are morphological units that are found on the surface of the capsid.
What are protomers in the context of capsid structure?
• Smallest functional units of the capsid.
What distinguishes enveloped viruses from naked/non-enveloped viruses in terms of their outer membrane?
• Composed of lipids and polysaccharides
• While naked/non-enveloped viruses lack this outer membrane.
What is a defining characteristic of naked or non-enveloped viruses?
• Lack an outer membrane and are typically resistant or stable in ether.
What is the function of protein spikes in viruses?
• Facilitate the transfer of nucleic acid from one host cell to another
• Especially in enveloped viruses where they are present on the outer membrane
