Viruses Flashcards
1
Q
What are viruses?
A
Organized associations of macromolecules which can infect prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells.
They self replicate by invading host cell (cells’ enzymes make parts for new virus)
- Mechanisms to escape immune defense (reverse transcription, block
apoptosis, block MHC activity, block signaling of immune cells to infected cells)
2
Q
3 parts of a viron?
A
Nucleic acid - DNA or RNA hold info to help multiply;
Protein coat - cover core and protect nucleic acid (capsid); Lipid membrane - covers capsid
3
Q
1st life cycle?
A
nucleic acid enters cell, disrupts cell metabolism
4
Q
2nd life cycle?
A
retrovirus incorporates nucleic acid into host
cell to be reproduced + born over
