Virion Structure Flashcards
1
Q
What 2 components do ALL viruses have?
A
Genome and Nucleocapsid
2
Q
Virus genomes are made up of __ or ___.
A
DNA, RNA
3
Q
What are the 2 different nucleocapsid structures/shapes?
A
Helical and Icosahedral
4
Q
What do matrix proteins do and in which viruses are they present?
A
- Present in all viruses that bud at the plasma membrane (eg. HSV)
- Stabilises nucleocapsid and are crucial role in virion assembly
5
Q
Name 2 basic replication strategies.
A
- Replication Fork
2. Rolling Circle
6
Q
Why do some viruses carry enzymes with their genome?
A
To enable virus replication - eg. HIV carries RdDp for reverse transcription and integration into host DNA.
7
Q
Why is the NC such an important structure in viruses?
A
- Protects genome
- helps with transmission and infection
- highly immunogenic (provides antigenic epitopes for IR)
8
Q
What is the function of the viral envelope?
A
- Enables budding (at ER or plasma membrane)
- Protects NC
- Binds receptors for single cell infection
