Viral Structure and Fxn Flashcards
What are the basic properties of Viruses?
- Core Nucleic Acid surrounded by Protein Coat.
- Cannot replicate on their own. Need host.
- Do undergo self assembly
How do viruses “survive?”
- House DNA/RNA in CAPSIDS
- DNA/RNA contain information to initiate and complete an infectious cycle
- Infect hosts (either benign, or lethal)
All viruses have the same process of survival, but there its tons of diversity as to how it is accomplished.
What are the two systems for classifying viruses?
- Classical System (based on physical properties)
2. Baltimore System (based on mRNA production route)
What are the categories used to classify viruses in the Classical System?
- DNA/RNA
- Symmetry of the capsid (helical or icosahedral?)
- Naked (non-enveloped) or Enveloped
- Dimensions of virion or capsid
What are the 4 types of processes used to produce viral genetic material in hosts? (Baltimore classification)
- dsDNA (transcribed directly by host machinery)
- ssDNA (need to have a double-stranded intermediate)
- Retroviruses ssRNA with DNA intermediate. Are integrated into the host DNA.
- ssRNA can be directly translated by the host ribosome
What is the difference between direct and indirect fluorescence antibody imaging for viruses?
Direct- Anitbody binds DIRECTLY to viral antigen.
Antibody (with probe)——Viral antigen
Indirect- Antibody binds to antiviral antibody, which is bound to the viral antigen.
Antibody (with probe)—–Antibody——Viral antigen
What is the basic structure of a virus?
- Capsid (protein coat)
- Envelope (membrane from host)
- Genome
What is the difference between a helical and a icosahedral capsid?
Ones helical the other is not….. But really
An icosahedral capsid is made up of 20 isosceles (get it?) triangles that come together to form a pseudo sphere. Think of a soccer ball, but with triangular faces.
True or false: Icosahedral capsids always contain RNA.
True… according to the wiki.
But I bet you thought it was false because of the ALWAYS huh? Sucks to suck.
For what its worth, whats the least amount of subunits you can have? 60, making 20 triangular faces.
What are the 7 types of basic Virus genomes?
- dsDNA
- ssDNA
- Gapped Circular DNA
- ssRNA (+)
- ssRNA (-)
- dsRNA
- ssRNA (+) w/ DNA intermediate: AKA Retrovirus
How do gapped circular DNA viruses, such as hepatitis B, replicate their DNA?
- The circular DNA is transcribed in nucleus.
- mRNA is translated to produce a reverse transcriptase.
- RT creates new Circular DNA
True or false:
All RNA viruses encode for a RNA-dependant RNA polymerase.
True! Did I get you again?
All RNA viruses encode an RNA dependent RNA polymerase RdRp. Whether or not they needed it is a different story.
Generally, dsDNA viruses replicate their DNA in _________. Except _________ viruses, which replicate in the ______________.
Generally, dsDNA viruses replicate their DNA in nucleus. Except poxviruses, which replicate in the cytoplasm. They use their own RNA pol.
Which RNA virus is translated directly by host organelles?
ssRNA (+)
Think of the +/- as “ribosome ready RNA”
Which RNA virus is transcribed directly by host organelles?
ssRNA (-)
Think of the +/- as “ribosome ready RNA”