Virus Flashcards
What are the two main components of a virus?
A protein coat (capsid) and nucleic acid (either DNA or RNA)
Retroviruses specifically have RNA and an enzyme to convert RNA to DNA.
Are viruses cellular or non-cellular?
Non-cellular
What shape can viruses take?
Round, rod-shaped or complex
What type of parasites are viruses?
Obligate parasites
What do viruses possess that allows them to replicate?
Genetic material (DNA/RNA) and a protein coat
What is the first stage in virus replication?
Attachment
What occurs during the entry stage of virus replication?
A hole is formed in the host cell and nucleic acid is pushed through
What is a bacteriophage?
A virus that infects bacteria
What happens during the synthesis stage of virus replication?
Host DNA becomes inactive and viral DNA uses host organelles to produce new DNA
What occurs during the assembly stage of virus replication?
New viruses are made
What is the final stage in the virus replication process?
Release
What is lysis in the context of viruses?
The host cell bursts to release new viruses
Do viruses possess cell organelles?
No
Can viruses reproduce by themselves?
No
What type of nucleic acid do viruses have?
Only one type, whereas living things have both DNA and RNA
How can viruses be controlled?
General body defenses
Fill in the blank: Viruses are _______ as they cannot reproduce by themselves.
non-living
What is the production of antibodies?
The process by which the immune system generates proteins to neutralize pathogens.
Antibodies are crucial for the immune response and are produced in response to antigens.
What is vaccination?
A method to stimulate the immune system to develop protection against specific diseases.
Vaccination often involves administering a vaccine that contains antigens.
What are drugs?
Substances used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent diseases.
Drugs can be synthetic or derived from natural sources.
List advantages of viruses.
- Can be used in gene therapy
- Serve as vectors in vaccine development
- Can control bacterial infections using bacteriophages
Viruses have applications in biotechnology and medicine.
What is genetic engineering?
The process of transferring genes from one organism to another.
Genetic engineering is used in various fields, including agriculture and medicine.
What are the disadvantages of viruses?
- Human diseases like AIDS and flu
- Plant diseases such as mosaic disease
- Animal diseases like rabies
Viruses can cause significant health issues across different species.
Fill in the blank: Controlling bacterial infections by _______.
bacteriophages.
Bacteriophages are viruses that specifically infect bacteria.
