Virus Structures and Classification Flashcards
What are features of viruses that distinguish them from bacteria/toxins?
- Size - Tobacco Mosaic Virus was able to pass through a filter while bacteria could not
- Growth - Showed that titer of TMV increased after infecting a plant proving it was not a toxin
What are a viruses requirements for living?
Obligate intracellular parasites (Are not autopoietic)
What are the two theories of virus origin?
Cellular Origin - Once cellular components but over time separated
What is a nucleocapsid?
RNA or DNA CORE that is protected by a protein coat (CAPSID)
What is the structure of nucleocapsids?
Repeating protein subunits called capsomeres
What is an envelope?
Virus-modified cellular membranes acquired upon exit from host that wraps around the nucleocapsid.
What is the range of virus size?
18-300nm
What is an advantage of being a large virus?
- Can carry more of their own genes/proteins to complete replication cycle.
- Can carry genes which will alter the host immune response
What is a disadvantage of being a large virus?
Longer replication time (more immune system opportunities)
Why are viruses obligate intracellular parasites?
They NEVER convert RNA into protein
What is a replication strategy used by ssDNA?
Hairpin. Repeating ends with ssDNA strand in the middle to which host machinery can bind and copy.
What is a replication strategy used by dsDNA?
Rolling circle. Similar to Bacteria
What is (+)ssRNA?
RNA that is ready to be processed by a ribosome to make a protein.
What is (-)ssRNA?
RNA that must be copied before it can be processed by a ribosome to make a protein.
What are the advantages of having a large genome?
Can carry more genes (modulate host immune responses)