Virus Classification, Structure, and Replicaiton Flashcards
What’s the difference between a Virus and a Bacterium
Bacterium can replicate on their own.
Viruses need a host to replicate
What’s the difference between a Virus and a Toxin
A virus can replicate given a host.
A toxin is created by a cell.
What are the theories of Virus Origins
Cellular Origin
Autopoetic Origin
Autopoetic Origin Theory
Proposes that viruses were once autopoetic entities, but became dependent on cells for replication
Cellular Origin Theory
Proposes that viruses were once cellular components but over time evolved seperately
Virus Particle Structure can be organized by…
Composition
Shape
Size
What is a nucleocapsid?
An RNA or DNA in a core that is protected by a protein coat (capsid)
What is a capsid comprised of?
Repeating protein subunitys called capsomeres
What are envelopes?
Virus-modified cellular membranes that are acquired upon exit from host cells
What happens to enveloped viruses when exposed to lipid solvents in a lab?
They are rendered noninfectious
How big is a “small virus”
18 nm
How big is a “large virus”
300 nm
What is an advantage of a small virus?
Small viruses replicate faster
What is an advantage of a large virus?
Large viruses carry more immune modulating genes that can allow for more replication and shut down the immune system
What are the different virus genome compositions/classifications
DNA - double stranded
DNA - single stranded
RNA - double stranded
RNA - single stranded +, -, or ambisense
What is special about ambisense ssRNA
Resembles -ssRNA but it can read +ssRNA or -ssRNA
What are the different structures of virus genome?
Linear
Circular
Segmented
Diploid
ssDNA replication
Needs a double stranded structure to bind to - uses a hairpin structure. Relies on host cell replication machinery
dsDNA replication
Similar to double stranded DNA replication in humans
+ssRNA replication
Uses host ribosomes
-ssRNA replication
needs RNA dependent RNA polymerase to make + strand, which can serve as a template
What are the steps of virus replication
Attachment Entry Transcription Translation Replication Assembly Release
Virus attachment
Virus receptor bind to cellular receptors. They usually don’t mimic normal ligands, and bing somewhere other than the normal binding zone. Still triggers the cascade to cause virus to enter.
Viral receptors
Usually don’t mimic cell receptor’s normal ligands.
Typically are spike-like projections on viral particle surface.
May require a co-receptor
What can genetic engineering do to viral attachment?
It can change receptor recognition.
What is a major determinate of virus tropism/host range?
Attachment
What is a major factor for eradication of a virus?
Host range
(T/F) A virus can infect a human and a fungus.
False - a virus range won’t cross kingdoms
(T/F) A virus can infect all life forms
True
What are the pathways of virus entry into a cell?
Receptor mediated endocytosis
Direct penetration of plasma membrane
Non-enveloped virus cell entry
Not well understood.
Enters either through pores or membrane disruption
Enveloped virus cell entry
Enters through membrane fusion
HA proteins aid in attachment of the virus, lowering pH, which causes a conformational change and the membranes fuse
(Receptor induced)